University of South Florida-Main Campus Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

Jessica from Tampa, FL

07/25/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

80 out of 81 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

All. There is a learning center to help those who need it and challenging classes for those who need that.

Tips for prospective students

Join everything! Find things you like. I hated working out but a friend convince me to try a group fitness class. I'm not a regular and rarely miss a class! Also, if you can avoid it, don't get a job your first year. I know a lot of students have to work but college is a tough adjustment. I got a job waitressing at first and it was a nightmare and my grades were horrible. I quit to get my grades back up and to have a life with friends.

Bang for the buck

Out of state was waaaaay too expensive. Couldn't get in state to save my life, even though I technically met all the requirements. Now I'm in grad school and it's still expensive, but at least I knew that giong in.

Am enjoying being here

The social scene is amazing! There are always people around and always activities going on!

Academic Rigor

I learned so much in undergrad. Now I'm in graduate school and it feels pretty repetative. Hopefully next semester will be better and I'll learn new stuff!

Julie from Deland, FL

Enthusiastic students with drive and ambition. Students who love having fun just as much as learning. Students who are open to try new things.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved ASAP. The sooner you get involved, the easier it is. Try new things and be open minded. Oh yea, study hard and make your classes top priority. Enjoy this time in your life. You get back as much as you put in.

Bang for the buck

Tuition is going up, and USF recognizes that. The fees included in tuition do not begin to cover what you can receive from this school. There are SO many free things around campus. If you pay attention, you can usually find free food…daily. There are so many activities and events that are free to you just for being a proud BULL! Things such as awesome concerts, shows, and lectures (08-09 we were blessed with performances by Flo-rida, Lady Antebellum, Mike Epps, Christian Finnegan, and BILLY NYE…yes...the science guy!). Money cannot buy the friends and family you make here or the awesome experiences you will encounter.

Am enjoying being here

OF COURSE I ENJOY BEING HERE! Since orientation before my freshman year, I have felt at home. Everyone I have encountered in this university is enthusiastic and school spirited, while being academically focused and ambitious. In my opinion, the best part of this school is the tradition. Sure, schools such as UF and FSU have traditions known nation-wide. However, how many of your friends that are going to those schools MADE those traditions? USF is so new and youthful; YOU have the power to make history, such as joining the spirit club BEEF STUDS. There are also SO many clubs that range in variety and so many awesome opportunities. USF may be a pretty large campus, but everyone can fit in. There is no such thing as “the normal student”. Every stereotypical clique from ‘over-achiever’ to ‘last-minute Lindy’ to ‘jock’ to ‘boozer’ to whatever you consider yourself is at USF. And the most beautiful part is they all interact and accept each other’s differences.

Am learning a lot

Besides your core classes that apply directly to your major, students must meet “Gordon Rule” requirements in order to graduate. These classes have broadened my horizon tremendously. I never would have taken Anthropology, World Regional Geography, or American Drama without having these requirements. By meeting these requirements I have learned so much, not only definitions and theories, but world events and innovative strategies. Even as a student interested in medicine, these classes have opened up so many new windows and areas of my major for me to explore such as Medicine in West Africa or Anthropological medicine. The professors are also more than willing to go above and beyond to help you learn and apply your learning, if you show interest.

Payal from Canton, MI

07/10/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

30 out of 30 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

USF is good for students who are interested in health care/medicine. There are many excellent graduate programs geared toward the health care field. Also, USF is one of Florida's top 3 public research universities so is a good choice for students interested in doing research.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should relax. College is different than high school so be prepared to follow a more independent study plan. Prioritizing and managing your time effectively are key. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling in a particular area, there are plenty of resources available to assist students and help make their college experience a memorable one.

Bang for the buck

Although tuition costs are on the rise, If you're an in-state student then USF can be considered a bargain. However, there is a large difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and new laws make it difficult for out-of-state students to be eligible for in-state tuition after their first year.

Am enjoying being here

USF boasts a large student body so there is no shortage of extracurricular activities to get involved with, including various clubs, greek life, and other student activities. Also, the campus is very nice. The city of Tampa is also very diverse.

Am learning a lot

USF provides a vast array of classes to select from, allowing students to explore interests that are beyond their immediate course of study.

Miranda from Fruitland Park, FL

If you are the type of student that likes to have fun, meet a lot of new people, and get a good amount of learning in, then you should be USF bound.

Tips for prospective students

Just make sure you keep things balanced. Try to go to your classes as much as possible, and make sure you make time to study. Also, get as much sleep as you can. If you don't want to gain that Freshmen Fifteen stay away from the Andros cafeteria late at night because they start serving breakfast again at 11pm. But otherwise, just have fun but don't go too crazy.

Bang for the buck

USF gives numerous scholarships and grants that makes it easier to pay for school. Be prepared to get a meal plan though, since as freshmen you are required to. It is not the most enjoyable thing eating at the cafeteria everyday, but you will appreciate being able to have an all-you-can-eat meal anytime from 8am-2am.

Am enjoying being here

USF is really good about getting freshmen involved in campus. They have events going on pretty much every week that helps you get to know people and learn your way around campus.

Am learning a lot

Every college has a learning community, but USF does what they can to make students comfortable while learning. Our brand new student center has plenty of study rooms, and a very large computer lab that is very useful.

Adriana from Kissimmee, FL

10/03/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

19 out of 19 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Any student who is looking to have an enjoyable college experience and emerge him/herself in a different setting, make friends, and be fully prepared for a career. The campus is really big and the student population is very diverse, it is located in Tampa, Florida, an urban city and about 40 minutes away from the beach! Can't get better than that!

Tips for prospective students

Time management is KEY. It is so easy get distracted with the new friends that you make and the organizations that you joined to put homework and studying aside. Being able to wake up early for classes is often a challenge, so I suggest spending a couple of hours before or after your classes, reading and studying so you are free in the evening to do whatever you want and enjoy your college experience to the maximum!

Bang for the buck

Going to college can be expense, however with the right resources (ex: Cappex), you can receive scholarships, grants and loans that will allow you to have the college experience you want.

Am enjoying being here

USF has great school spirit. There are so many organizations and events that allow you to always have something to do and never be bored. I personally enjoy volunteering, intramural sports and of course the football games, Go Bulls!

Am learning a lot

Being in college is really a big difference, YOU get to choose your own schedule of classes, which is very flexible if you plan on working a part time job, being involved in athletics or any other student programs. Choosing your own schedule also allows you to pick the courses you are most interested in. Even if your are undecided you can take a variety of classes before narrowing down on a specific major. Not only do you learn academics but you develop as a person.

Olivia from Bradenton, FL

10/12/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

16 out of 16 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

USF is great for any student I think. It is big enough to keep you away from people you dont want to see, but not big to the point where you get lost everyday. Also it is great for people who want to be social but don't know how. USF offers so many opportunities for all students that it is hard not to make new friends.

Tips for prospective students

Be on time for your first week of classes! If you do not show up they will mark you absent and that will kick you out of the course! If you do not understand homework in a certain subject GO TO THE TUTORING CENTER! This has helped me in Chemistry tremendously. Also the writing center in the library is great for checking your papers before they are due and its free! Be sure to sign up first in the library so that you can call in to make appointments the next time. It makes things may more efficient. Also do your readings and homework AS SOON AS THEY ARE ASSIGNED. This is such a big deal and will make a difference between an A and a B. Also take the stairs down if you live on any floor (but obviously the first) its an easy way to get exercise. Apply for on campus jobs! You always think Oh I'll never get the job you never know! Submit and application here or there, just because you apply and get the job does not mean you have to accept the offer. I applied for two different jobs within the first two weeks of being on campus and got one right away! Some jobs even offer tuition assistance! Also GET INVOLVED WITH CLUBS. It will be a great way to meet new people. One last thing, during week of welcome MAKE TIME TO TAKE THE GUIDED TOUR! It is so worth your time. They can show you where every class you have is located and also the most efficient way to get there. Also take classes that interest you! If you are in a major that has a bunch of classes which you hate, I would not suggest doing that. Major in something you will actually want to do. Granted, every major will have some classes you dislike, but I guarantee if you pick something you enjoy those classes will not ruin your whole semester.

Bang for the buck

The University of South Florida is not too expensive for Florida residents, but any out of state student will find any out of state school expensive. The credit hours are up there, but definitely so worth your while. This is a great institution so I find it definitely worth it. Housing can be pretty pricey, but by staying on campus you get to learn where everything is a lot faster. Meal plans are also expensive since they are required for freshman. My advice? As a girl I say for all other females try to get a smaller meal plan your sophomore year, you will not always use fifteen meals a week.

Am enjoying being here

USF is a great place to socialize! Homecoming Week and Week of Welcome are great ways to be social if you do not know anyone. Another great idea is just to go to the dining hall and find someone who is sitting alone and ask if you can sit with them! That is how I met someone that I am great friends with today. It is simple and easy and definitely worth your while.

Am learning a lot

I am currently enrolled in four classes that are 15 credit hours over all. My knowledge of each subject I am enrolled in has expanded greatly already and it is only the mid-term week of the first semester. I love my classes and they are definitely more enjoyable than highschool.

Joana from Viera, FL

08/25/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

13 out of 13 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Good for students who don't know if they want a big or small school. It is a big enough school though to offer a variety of activities, so anyone can find something they enjoy. Has a good athletic program. Has a good music/liberal arts program. Has a Greek life and professional fraternities.

Tips for prospective students

Declare a major and talk to that counselor. They will let you know what you need to finish (graduate) on time. There are tons of scholarships, so look early to see what you need to do to qualify (if you're an incoming student. i.e. SAT scores).

Bang for the buck

It's a pretty cheap out-of-state school and an average priced in-state school for Florida. There are so many scholarships you can apply for or automatically qualify for based on SAT scores and such. Don't miss out because you think the SAT's are pointless.

Am enjoying being here

I really like the people I am meeting. There is a wide variety of clubs from drama and other liberal arts to every sport. I only wish I could be involved in more. The campus is big enough that if you don't want to run into people you probably wont, but if you know enough people there will always be someone to wave to on your way to class.

Am learning a lot

I'm in the Honors College and a double major in Science and Language. All of my professors know what they are talking about and most are very willing to help you understand the material.

Get involved and do not worry about looking silly. College is much more fun if you have friends and know people. Participate in class discussion and activities, this will make things easier to understand and definitely ask questions if you have them...no one will think you aren't smart.

Bang for the buck

Great sticker price, but even better once in the school. The school's estimated cost is much lower than what you will actually pay for tuition which is great.

Am learning a lot

Go to class. This is the only way to really learn a lot. Most classes do not require attendance but being in the classroom is very helpful.

Shelby from Orlando, FL

University of South Florida is great for students who want a culturally diverse campus. It is also great for future medical students because they have many areas of medicine to study.

Tips for prospective students

At first I was skeptical about attending USF, but I quickly found that USF is one of the top 3 public universities in Florida and it has grown substantially over the past couple years and is still improving. If you are planning on going in to the medical field, USF has many fantastic programs in order for their students to succeed as well as a great location for future jobs. My advice to future students is to study hard to achieve their dreams.

Amanda from Orlando, FL

Get involved, go to class, study, but most importantly HAVE FUN!!! College is what you want it to be!

Am learning a lot

The professors and advisers really do care about your success. They make sure you understand the material and the career path you have chosen. Oh and don't stress about being undeclared, the advisers are there to guide you and help you make an informed decision.

Molly from Vero Beach, FL

12/05/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 out of 7 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Students that like huge universities, students that enjoy sporting events and extracurricular activities, students interested in greek life, and students interested in earning a degree from a well-respected university.

Tips for prospective students

Pay attention in all of your classes! One test can make or break you. It costs a lot of money to re-take classes so try to avoid doing so! Also, speak with your guidance counselor as much as possible! He or she will offer very valuable advice that will pay off in the end! Lastly, this school has a huge population; It can take a long time to get a hold of people and get things done. Always Remember: The early bird gets the worm!

Bang for the buck

The University of South Florida isn't a community college so it is a little pricy, but I think it's worth it! Plan on paying room and board for your first semester (as freshmen are required to live on campus and have a meal plan), but the housing options are affordable and the experiences are worthwhile. With what you're paying, you get excellent classes, free gym membership, free sporting events, and invitations to numerous school-wide events!

Am enjoying being here

I really enjoy this university. There are constantly things to do, from 'Movies on the Lawn' to 'Bulls Night Out.' Our football team was ranked in the top 25 of the nation this year, making for very exciting sporting events! The area around the school also adds to the excitement. Tampa is a thriving location with endless opportunities.

Am learning a lot

This school means business! You have to devote all of your attention to your classes, but it really pays off in the end! Everything I've learned so-far has proven valuable.

Caitlin from Hollywood, FL

12/23/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

6 out of 6 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

USF is great for the student who is ready to succeed academically after high school, but also wants to have an enjoyable college experience. Sure, your parents may pay a lot for you to go to school, especially if you are coming in from out of state, but that doesn't mean that you should be locked away in your dorm studying all the time! USF offers a fun and safe environment for students of all levels, so having adequate study time and still having a good time with friends is totally doable!

Tips for prospective students

If you are really interested in coming to USF, I would definitely suggest taking a tour of the campus and seeing all the different options it has to offer you. Hearing things from friends is one thing, but hearing information from someone who is trained to tell you about the school and give you the most accurate information is the best way to put everything into perspective. They'll tell you the truth about the school, and dispose of any myths you might have heard from people. Join as many clubs as you can once you get here, because it opens you up to so many new people and a completely different world. Networking starts from day one, and you have no idea how many connections you will make after just one week!

Bang for the buck

The campus is absolutely beautiful, and most of the residence halls are very nice and wonderful to live in as a freshman. Since it is mandatory for freshman to live on campus, it's good to know that the residence halls offer so much to you. So whether you want to be in a traditional dorm or an apartment, just know that there is something for you! The meal plan also isn't as bad as many make it seem. Of course, for you picky eaters out there it might be a bother, but most of the time the cafeterias have something you'll want to eat, and if not, the dining dollars are always useful! And of course, all the events around campus offer free food, so if you look in the right places, you don't even have to worry about buying lunch!

Am enjoying being here

With so many different opportunities to get involved on campus, it' hard to not enjoy yourself. USF offers hundreds of different student organized clubs, so whether you are a chess playing master, or you just like talking about books, there is something for you to do. And for the sports kids out there, club sports and intramural sports are a good way to get involved and make new friends all across the campus. The Campus Activities Board, or CAB, at USF is always holding events for students to go to, whether it's Movies on the Lawn, or a Bulls Nite Out, you and your friends will never have absolutely nothing to do!

Am learning a lot

There are so many different class options for you to take that it is so easy to find something interesting! If you thought classes were boring in high school, now is your chance to find classes you actually want to take, and find out what your true calling really is. For many, your freshman year in college is really a chance for you to see what you want your major to be. Even if you already have a major in mind, don't be afraid to look into other options, because there might be something that you are way better at! I go to all of my classes, and I never miss unless I am ill. The professors are extremely helpful, and it is obvious that they enjoy what they are doing, which makes the learning experience for students that much better.

John from Tampa, FL

This school is great for those working or living near the Tampa Bay area. If you enjoy living in a city-environment, this is the school for you.

Tips for prospective students

USF lives up to its claim of being an excellent research university. Come to the school to learn and study hard. Be responsible and invest time in learning what your major calls for rather than looking at how much you can earn with it.

Bang for the buck

Being the closest university to where I live, it's also the most affordable. The meal plan is vastly overpriced, in my opinion, so try to avoid paying for one if you are not a freshman.

Am enjoying being here

I stayed in a dorm in the first semester and found it to be a little boring. The events are kinds of few and far between and usually conflicted with my schedule.

Am learning a lot

The classes I have taken the first semester were a great learning experience. The professors I've had so far were very passionate about teaching and helpful.

Mikaela from Indian Harbour Beach, FL

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Great for medicine, science, math, research, art, anything! With USF's acedemic and social diversity, you will learn alot about yourself and the world around you.

Tips for prospective students

Study hard in high school! If you really want a great collge experience, become involved with the campus and meet lots of people. After Orientation, I went usf.eu and found three clubs I wanted to join and contacted the sponsor for more info.

Bang for the buck

If you study hard in high school, you will most likely be awarded an undergraduate scholarship ranging from $2000-$4000 a year based on your SAT scores. This along with federal aid will really diminish the need for loans!

Will enjoy being here

There is always something to do on campus! The week before classes start, freshmen experience the Week of Welcome (WOW) by become acclimated with campus, engaged in social activities and learn about the opportunities for clubs, research, and other organizations that USF ahs to offer

Will learn a lot

USf has such a diversity of classes that something is bound to catch your attention. Most professors have a PhD in the field that they teach and have done substancial research on the subject, thus providing you with great opportunites!

Stephanie from FL

11/15/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

For those students who are all about GPA, my tip is to not stress over your grades. College does come with a lot of work. My advice, TIME MANAGEMENT! If you are able to establish equal amount of time for family, friends, school and work, you will be just fine. Also their are sororities that are good at helping with your grades, interaction and it also does not look bad on your resume. Clubs like Big Brothers and Sister is also really good towards not only helping children but your college experience and future interests; again it looks good on a resume. My advice...have fun, don't forget to breathe and remember your hard work will pay off!

Tips for prospective students

Tips for prospective students: join clubs, get involved with what the school offers whether that's sport activities or even movies on the lawn. There are so many ways to interact with your peers and make friends. Do not be afraid to go out there, speak up in class and interact. USF, is a really great school in which no one is left out.

Bang for the buck

Money is always an issue when it comes to deciding between community college or a university, its a challenge. That was my big issue when first decided to go to USF. I feared so much from bankruptcy, debt, and just having to eventually quit school BUT it does not have to be that way! If you do good in high school, I recommend getting at least a 75% percent in Bright Futures, and maintaining your GPA. Bright Futures money every semester has really saved me in the courses I need to take towards my degree. Also, not only does USF provide loans and financial aid but they also provide scholarship oppurtunities. Money is provided in options to those in need. Although I took a loan, the loan USF provided works with you! You are allowed to choose how much you want, when to pay whether that be through time or at the end of your graduation. Despite my unassurance on my loans, they too have saved me. My father said to me, its good to go to a college you desire, then one you will be unhappy at and slowers your education. USF does neither!

Am enjoying being here

I love being at USF. To me, personally, high school was full of drama, gossip and always questioning the fads out there. However, being on a college campus it seems those worries disappear. People walk around with pajamas, clothes unseen in years, and no one discriminates. The students and professors are so outgoing and kind that the first time I stepped foot on campus I felt that I belonged there, despite the money I needed to go. It was all worth it.

Am learning a lot

The USF curricular here is fantastic. Not only do the teachers help you in your success with education but also the university itself. The library provides tutoring sessions and writing centers. No student is left to question if they are doing the right things towards their education because advisors are there to help you with making the right decision towards your degree/career path. USF provides so many options to allow students to feel at ease, comfortable with learning and so much more.

Alaina from Sarasota, FL

12/09/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

USF is perfect for the types of students who really want to work for their degrees. The classes are not easy, nor is adjusting to the new level of freedom and responsibility. But in each student there is the ability to overcome, grow, and become better students and people.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be intimidated by the size of the campus! The school is as small or big as you make it. Also, RELAX! let yourself have some free time, away from the books and the computer.

Bang for the buck

At first, I believed USF was a bit expensive, but after actually living there, I came to realize that you are not only paying for housing and food, but for a family and a new level of independence.

Am enjoying being here

I love the campus life; the people are so enjoyable and really want to help you if you ask. The school exhibits a sense of comrade that I have never encountered before. Everyone belongs there, and you can feel that just by walking around campus. Overall, USF is not only a school, it is a living, breathing entity that embodies the spirits of its students.

Am learning a lot

Every day it seems I am learning something new; whether it is from the classroom or from other students around campus. There is so much to explore at USF, and in turn, to explore about yourself.

Ashley from Miami, FL

10/12/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Tips for prospective students

Prospective students make sure that the school you pick is right for you. Many students change their majors so if you do become one of those students make sure that you have a back up plan. Also if you know that you get home sick very easily that you pick a place where you it is n't too far from your home. I get home sick at times and my school is only four hours away which is great. I am not to close or too far.

Bang for the buck

Not saying that I am financially stable but this school is within my budget and that helps a lot.

Am enjoying being here

This school has so many activities it's amazing. Their is always something on and off campus. They encourage us to get involve to help with time managing and to learn how to be around others and getting involve on campus. Their are over 30 organizations you wouldn't believe what they have here.

Am learning a lot

Well everyone knows that high school and college is not the same. Because I was accepted to USF's Summer Stampede Program it gave me more of an advantage to know how to get around the school and also get a good feel of how school will be in the Fall. Studying and being on top of my game is what I am still adjusting to. This transformation isn't easy and I am still saying this on the seventh week of school. I am learning. some say it won't click immediately but eventually I will get the hang of it.

Alyssa from Seminole, FL

12/20/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Students that live in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties and would still like to live at home and commute to school!! Also great for any student that loves the Tampa area (access to Ybor city, great sports teams, and of course within decent proximity to our beautiful Florida beaches!!).

Tips for prospective students

Keep your grades up in the last semester of high school, work hard and don't slack off, and make sure to apply as early as possible for FAFSA and USF Tampa campus to ensure admission as well as a solid chance of being awarded scholarship money!!

Bang for the buck

The prices per credit-hour and for fees are a lot like most public Florida colleges. Therefore, along with Florida Bright Futures Scholarships and the AMAZING scholarships that USF offers its high-standing students (as well as the Honors College scholarship given to Honors students each semester), college tuition is easily covered for me! I don't live on campus, of course, but for a commuter, money isn't a worry for me :)

Am enjoying being here

I absolutely LOVE USF!!!! I commute about 50 minutes to USF Tampa and back to my home in Seminole, Florida each day of the working week. I would travel even further to be able to enjoy the beautiful campus, the wonderful Honors college staff and classes, and the amazing student body. Everyone I have met is so wonderful and helpful! I made such a great choice coming to this school and this campus :)

Am learning a lot

There are so many majors to choose from and some AMAZING professors to learn from! There is a tremendous opportunity of important information to learn. Everything I have encountered so far has been current, relevant information to this time period as far as Public Health and Humanities go. You truly know that what you are learning you can use for the rest of your life in the workplace or in the community.

Jonathan from Lehigh Acres, FL

06/08/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

All students will feel comfortable and have the opportunity for success! They have accommodations for all types of students as well as class sizes that are suitable for any student. There are all sorts of free activities happening every day that all students are more than welcome to take part in. I can guarantee that any student will enjoy their time at the University of South Florida.

Tips for prospective students

Work hard in high school!!! It will definitely pay off. USF will offer you scholarships as well as financial aid because of your g.p.a. and exam scores. Not only does USF help you, scholarship programs (ex. Cappex) will also help you fund your education. Therefore, being financially stable is not necessarily needed when attending college if you work hard and are dedicated throughout your high school years. Volunteer in the community and take part in extracurricular activities. This will only make you a more competitive candidate when applying for acceptance.

Bang for the buck

Despite the amount of money college is worth, USF makes it worth it. You are always learning new things. There are always things going on throughout campus. Not only is it worth it because of what there is to do, it is worth it because it is a great school to receive an education from. USF is in the top of the state for research and graduate programs. When going to apply for jobs upon graduation, it will look great on your application that you are an alumni from the University of South Florida.

Am enjoying being here

There is always something going on. Join everything that interests you. It will be in your best interest! Trust me. All graduate programs look at what you were involved in. Do not just join organizations because it will look good on future applications. Join them because they are of interest to you and because of how much they will benefit you. All organizations offer volunteer opportunities as well as shadowing opportunities. They are worth your time and can never hurt you, only help.

Am learning a lot

Classes are definitely challenging. However, they are manageable and there is a lot to learn. All the professors I have had so far know what they are talking about and are willing to go the extra mile to do whatever it takes for their students. They are extremely knowledgeable and it is noticeable that they love their job.

Chelsea from Barbados

04/09/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

2 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

On campus, you are protected by the Tampa Police Dept as well as USF's own security team. There are Blue Lights all over the campus so that if you ever feel unsafe (need an escort home, feel threatened, sprained your ankle) you can push the button and an officer will be with you in less than 60 seconds :)

Great for these types of students

This school is great for hard-working students who know when it's time to focus but still know how to relax. It's also great for students who have a lot of school spirit and would really like to get involved in school activities.

Bang for the buck

Because I'm international, the cost of attendance looked way too high for me to attend but USF has offered me so many scholarships that it has cut my attendance cost down to 1/3 of what it was originally! Also, they give away a lot of free stuff once you actually start to go there like tee-shirts, free food etc. You also get free printing paper from the library (30 sheets a day I think) and there always seems to be something given away free everyday (like cheesecake, mmm =] )

Food and Dining

The food and dining is great here. Freshmen are required to have a meal plan and there are so many options to choose from regarding dining. There are 4 dining halls as well as the student union which houses restaurants like Subway, Sbarro's, Chick-fill-A, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jamba juice etc as well as some other fast food restaurants around the campus and Starbucks in the library.

Dorm Life

Other reviews were saying that the rooms at USF are like prison cells and you want to break out immediately and that may be true but I don't get that feeling at all. Everyone who lives on campus seems to love it except for the fact that it is a bit expensive.

Academic Rigor

Because I haven't yet attended the school, I'm not sure about how rigorous the academics are here but form what I've been hearing people say, you do get quite a lot done, there's a great work environment and the professors are great. I got to speak to the Dean of the Honors College on my visit and he seemed super friendly and eager to help with anything I was confused about. All of the students seem to really enjoy themselves at this school.

Tips for prospective students

Study and work hard in high school so that you qualify for loads of scholarships. Also, you may be able to get into the Honors College which is great because then you get smaller classes and more one-on-one with the professors

Stephanie from New Port Richey, FL

The are numerous clubs and sororities/frats available to join at USF, as well as on campus job opportunities.

Food and Dining

There are numerous dining halls provided to on campus residents, with a wide variety of choices, and many food chains that are associated with Bull Bucks. Much diversity compared to other universities dining services.

Dorm Life

There are many choice from traditional suite style to apartment style, living on campus is helpful for a first year and lets one become familiar with the USF Campus.

Academic Rigor

USF is a top research school and is known for their health and medical programs. All majors provided within USF hold academic rigor, but these majors in specific need extra dedication and time.

Tips for prospective students

Driving on campus is difficult, parking can be impossible, walking is a time saver, and the bull runner provide by the university is a life saver.

In three sentences

USF is such a great school, in a perfect city, Tampa and the USF campus both hold much to explore and provides majors in an array of subjects and is one of the top research schools. Overall USF Tampa Campus is beautiful and holds a positive educational outlook.

Look into the price of tuition itself, the University of South Florida is not only inexpensive, but it has an amazing set of resources. Also, think of it as an investment. USF is growing, quite literally if you think about the new buildings. This is going to be a big college in the future.

Am enjoying being here

This campus is gorgeous, and the employees spectacular. The faculty are always willing to help out, the cafeteria workers are extremely kind (I haven't heard the same at all of the colleges), and student support staff are always rushing to help. College is really what you make of it, and I was able to make the best out of USF so far by smiling at everyone and just enjoying myself. In return, I've received the same. I don't know if it's just reciprocation for my general attitude, or truly the spirit of the campus, but I love it!

Am learning a lot

The teachers here are fantastic, and really help me comprehend the subject material (as well as adding humor to their lectures).

Lucas from Orlando, FL

01/16/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Everyone, I was a student who didn't focus on high school as much as i should have. I was more interested in enjoying my time. But I learned that school comes first and you will too. This school is not right for someone who is interested in just skimming by at the bottom of the barrel. You either are here to learn and succeed, or you need to leave.

Tips for prospective students

Meet your advisor early, and make friends. Live on campus, and get the normal college experience your first year. Enjoy easier classes your first semester. Then when you have your feet underneath you, then you should strive for harder classes.

Bang for the buck

Honestly, I find myself in a monetary bind every once in a while. However you will find that everywhere you go. Its college, its not cheap. What makes USF so great it their ability to cope with your problems and work with you towards a solution. Even if it requires an extension of time.

Am enjoying being here

Lets face it, half of the reason we choose a college is if it is a fun one. USF has shown me that it is possible to be at a college that allows you to go to class, and study and succeed, while having a blast at the same time. Living on campus has given me the best experience, while I have met some of the most amazing people that I have met in a long time, and these friends will definitely be there for me for a long time.

Am learning a lot

Classes are well rounded and the professors are outstanding. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first semester and found myself wanting to go to the classes for I enjoyed either the lectures or the professors teaching styles. This was a perfect school to transition from high school to college in. By far the best college academic wise.

Andres from New Port Richey, FL

03/15/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

If you are a science major, definitly try to get yourself into research programs as USF is one of the top universities in the country for that. Reach out to your professors and become friends with them, even when you feel like they are not reaching out to you. This will pay off greatly since they can give you advice throughout your college years and you can even use them to write recommendation letters for you. Don't be shy with others! Introduce yourself and plan events, study sessions, and outings with new people. Sometimes these people will end up being your life long friend or even the one you marry as I've heard. If you have any more questions about USF please don't hesitate to contact me at my email address. (asaavedra@mail.usf.edu) GO BULLS!

Tips for prospective students

1) Select the university you want, but don't block out the ideas and advice of your family, friends, counselor, and others. 2) If you do attend the University of South Florida, try to get into any organizations such as clubs, athletic teams, Greek life, leadership programs, etc. 3) Make sure you time manage properly with all of your schooling and events or else it will come back and kick you in the butt. 4) Go out and have fun! Don't just have your head in the books all the time. 5) Remember to eat properly and exercise or else that Freshmen 15 you've been hearing about will actually come true 6) Don't be shy and actually go talk with your teachers before or after class as they are always there willing to help. Believe me, they enjoy the attention that we give them. 7) Study hard but also try studying in groups as 2 brains is greater than 1. 8) Have fun and enjoy your college years as it only happens once in a life time!

Bang for the buck

The money is definitely worth it even if you're from out-of-state. I have several friends from New Jersey and Pennsylvania and they all say they love it down here. The education is great and USF is considered the top research institute here in Florida! It is a very competitive school and is definitely giving the University of Florida a run for. Go Bulls!

Am enjoying being here

Even though many students feel like the teachers are tough or are not helpful, it is only a misconception. The teachers here are here to allow the students succeed but since there are so many students in the classes, it is hard for them to reach out to us, so it is our duty to reach to them. The advice and help that they give us is great. They will make sure that we will succeed through our college years even if it is a professor that I had 2 years ago!! Also if you feel like education is the biggest thing here, USF is really big into athletics and the arts. Also the night life here in Tampa is great. There is always something to do around here!

Am learning a lot

I am currently a bio-medical science major and loving it. Never have I learned or read so much. The efforts are paying off as more opportunities keep opening up for me in the medical field.

Amber from Fruitland Park, FL

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

No one would be disappointed attending. I tell my friends of all different kinds of backgrounds and personalities that go to other Universities about USF, and they want to come join me!

Tips for prospective students

Learn as much as you can about how to get involved so that you can really connect with the school and its programs. A study was conducted that showed students attending this university who were involved in their other opportunities tended to have higher GPA's (they infer this is due to more peers to connect with) then those who didn't get involved.

Bang for the buck

The school provides many services, and explains that these are what your tuition pays for. There was so many programs and services I never expected a school to make available to me, so I'm glad I'm investing in this school. They open up a world of resources for their students, just for attending!

Will enjoy being here

When I visited the campus both times I've been there so far, it was welcoming and supportive. It will be the easiest transition into a new institution I've ever experienced. They have so many programs set up to create an environment conducive to having a good experience while at their campus.

Will learn a lot

I've already attended a very informative Orientation session and it made my transition to this school super easy to adapt. They set you up with a personalized advisor who helps you get signed up for the classes that will benefit you the most.

Jonathan from Fort Myers, FL

No offense, but I don't support type casting students. If you want a place where everyone is welcome and respected, choose USF.

Tips for prospective students

As a freshman/woman living on campus, remember that if you intend to do laundry on campus, you will need quarters, $1.00 per wash or dry, with about two wash loads fitting easily in one dryer load (at a time, considering size of the load/content).

Bang for the buck

I mean, college these days is super expensive regardless of where you go, in relation to the state of the economy. However, USF has a great financial aid office, despite the infamous shadow hanging over it, i.e. the policy of having all first year students/freshman who do not live in the immediate area to remain in residence on campus. This obviously increases the immediate costs of attendance, but considering the substantial amount of freshmen/women focused scholarships, compared to other colleges, USF does a good job when it comes to keeping your wallet relatively less picked over than the standard university these days.

Am enjoying being here

I initially was against USF as a choice for college attendance, but have found that it is a fit for my personality, and that the staff/students/faculty all possess less of certain negative qualities I witnessed in visits to other universities.

Am learning a lot

Effort is everything, professors respect you when you show you've put in the legwork. The professors possess a wealth of knowledge that they are willing to share both inside and outside the classroom. Do you expect to have lunch with your professors at your current or other potential institutions? It's possible here, as most professors are not yet jaded by the ease of tenure, or the press of the masses of students just looking to get by.

Becky from Tampa, FL

08/03/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

USF has a GREAT Nursing program and also the #1 research facility in Floruda!!! USF was actually one of the first helpers on the scene when the Gulf Coast Oil Spill happened. USF is very research dedicated and holds Florida's Moffith Cancer Center and Research where treatment and rehabilitation is priority.

Tips for prospective students

GET Connected!!!!! There are over 200 different groups that a student can get connected into. There are also about 50 on campus jobs available that include wonderful meal plans benefits.

Bang for the buck

The tuition is great!! Also, USF has amazing scholarship opportunities and rewards.

Am enjoying being here

I love being at USF!!! There is always events planned by USF, and they are friendly and fun. USF is definitely a place to meet people.

Am learning a lot

I am taking some pretty difficult classes that are challenging, but in a good way.

Tina from Tampa, FL

11/02/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Science-oriented students would benefit the most here. Science majors are the majority. Business majors are also abundant and there are a lot of clubs, sororities and other organizations that you can join. Even if you think it's not possible to have a certain organization, we probably have it. You can have fun, but never forget about your academics.

Tips for prospective students

Develop a good study habit, find out where your studying nook is (the library, locked up in your room, study groups). Explore the campus and make friends. Going to school on a big campus is no fun if you have no friends to share your experiences with. Get a mentor or someone who would be willing to answer your questions. Try to ask your professor questions after class. Even though there are a lot of big lecture halls, the professors are usually more than willing to stay after class for a couple minutes to address a students' concerns.

Bang for the buck

Nobody wants to have to pay for school, but of course it's an inevitable fact of life. The price is reasonable, although tuition is rising, as is anywhere else. As long as you know where you are financially, there really shouldn't be much financial struggles here.

Am enjoying being here

It's a huge but beautiful campus. Everyone is really friendly there's so many different types of places that you can go to get some peace and quiet or to study. Plenty of good hang out spots to chill with friends or meet new people. There's always something to do on campus, no matter what day it is. Unless it's closed for the holidays of course.

Am learning a lot

There's so many different types of classes that are offered here. Even within your major, there's a bunch of different types of electives you can choose from. Even if you think you know a lot about a certain subject, you'll find that you're always learning something new. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming with all the new information that's given to you but you have to take it in stride and appreciate it for what it is.

Judicieux from Tampa, FL

11/15/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

I feel USF is great for all kinds of students: every kind of student. This university prides itself in respecting the differences among people through diversity. And USF is great at accommodating for every type of person that may be interested. There is but one true requirement; a desire to learn and grow.

Tips for prospective students

A friendly tip for anyone who may attend this university in the future: bring your walking shoes or a means of transportation. This campus is massive especially for anyone choosing to commute. With so many opportunities offered, it is to be expected that this campus would have to large enough to hold them all. In the day time it is nice to ride a bike or roller blade. At night, we have the safe team -- a cart driving team that can take you to your destination safely..

Bang for the buck

I feel this campus is worth every dollar of tuition. there are so many great features to be enjoyed here and so many resources to support a learning environment.

Am enjoying being here

I love the USF Tampa Campus! There are so many opportunities to get involved and i have not had a dull moment since I moved on campus. There are organizations, clubs and many other events with fun, friendly, and interesting activities here. This campus is equipped to please.

Am learning a lot

As a first year student on the University of South Florida Tampa Campus I am learning more than I could have ever imagined. In the classrooms all my professors are comparatively friendly and always willing to help. Outside the classroom I have met so many interesting people. I believe that learning is occurs the most in ordinary life. Because this university prides itself in diversity, I feel there is not a single friend that i have made here that has not taught me something new.

Hannah from Tampa, FL

All kinds-- I plan on going into the medical field since USF is one of the top universities for that area of study.

Tips for prospective students

Get a head start in volunteering, sports, and clubs in high school. The admissions board looks at extracurricular activities as well as grades so make sure you stand out and do your best.

Bang for the buck

Not only is USF inexpensive, but it is also much less than the estimated cost. For in-state students, Bright Futures can cut the cost by 75%! Though it is a bit more expensive for out of state students, I have heard that it is worth it.

Will enjoy being here

I pass by the USF Campus every day, and when I was volunteering at the hospital right across from it, the atmosphere already hit me. You can see the many students roaming around to their classes, and all the clamor and excitement that USF brings to the studious student. My boyfriend's sister attends USF, and she says that going here was the best decision she's ever made.

Will learn a lot

I have heard from a numerous amount of close friends that they absolutely love USF. They say the professors are great and that as long as you're on top of things, the classes are not all that difficult and you learn so much.

Irina from Cape Coral, FL

Work hard and stay focused. Do not allow others to interfere with your goals, and try to maintain a healthy balance between your school life and your social life.

Bang for the buck

School is expensive wherever you go, but at USF I feel like I am paying for a quality education.

Am enjoying being here

There are lots of things to do on campus. There is always some kind of activity going on, and there are many clubs and organizations to choose from.

Am learning a lot

The professors at USF are very knowledgeable about their subjects, and they are willing to help students excel and get ahead. When extra help is required, the tutoring center has proven to be a great resource.

Samantha from Davidsonville, MD

The campus safety teams are always around. They'll even drive you back to your dorm if your walking at night.

Greek Life

I didn't go greek but I have friends that did and they all love it. The greek parties I've gone to are the best parties.

What to do for fun

There's always things to do on campus, and there are always sporting events going on which are awesome.

Food and Dining

The food is surprisingly good. Champion's Choice has healthy options which is a nice change but all the dining halls are good. The pizza is the best I've ever tasted and it's a addicting.

Dorm Life

I live in Magnolia which are the on campus apartments and they're wonderful. The other dorms are nice too but I like having my own room.

Academic Rigor

The academics are highly respected. The classes vary from being hard to easy. It's balanced

Tips for prospective students

If you don't know what you want to major in, be undecided. It's a lot better than forcing yourself into really hard classes for a major you aren't even sure you like.Get your FKL's done first. Also, join a club or a social group. When your a freshman it is nice to have a group of people to lean on when you are just starting to get to know everyone. Take advantage of the Bulls Market on Wednesdays, there is always free food and stuff given away.

Kaily from Riverview, FL

1 out of 2 people found this review useful.
2 people found this inaccurate.
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Campus Safety

AWESOME! You pay $200 bucks a month to park on campus to nearly get run over by patrol officers on golf carts everywhere that you walk. ENJOY IT, because they prevent A LOT.

Greek Life

If you are a part of Greek life, every social aspect of your life will be planned for you for the next 4 years of your life. Some people need that. The rest of us look at Greek life and think one thing and one thing only: you paid HOW MUCH to make friends? Greek life is expensive. Develop a personality, and go do something else.

Clubs and Activities

There are too many Clubs and Activities to count. I'm not going to lie and say I participate because I don't. There are a lot of stupid people in college... not sure what flaw there is in the admissions process that allows them to get in, but you will spend enough time with them in class... if you have time for a club, get a job or volunteer.

Bang for the buck

USF is not expensive but it can be if you take out an excessive amount of student loans and fail/withdraw from courses that you have to take over and over. You want bang for your buck? Go to a community college first, decide what you want to do, and then transfer to USF.

What to do for fun

Fun will find you. It's impossible not to find people that you will like (as long as you are not a recluse), but try to focus on school, finding a few lunch/study buddies and PLEASE get a job. No one is going to hire you if you just came out of college and have never worked a day in your life (don't delude yourself). Furthermore, keeping active keeps you attentive. College IS NOT so demanding that you cannot find time to do this. Whatever college recruters are telling you about how much time and dedication college will take, ignore it. You worry about getting yourself IN and then getting your self OUT. USF has a 51% graduation rate. That means 49% of all students who STARTED school there were having a little too much fun. So figure it out now or don't even bother going to college till you get it all out of your system.

Food and Dining

Heard of the freshman 15? It's no joke. Unless you want to live at one of the two Subways on campus, I would suggest you avoid the food and dining at all cost. Don't get me wrong... having a Chick Fil A, Pizza parlor, Burger King and THREE Starbucks is GREAT... but you better take up jogging.

Dorm Life

Dorms life is overrated. As stated before, unless you enjoy sharing a kitchenless room with a stranger and a bathroom with 40 strangers (no joke) then go for it. You will have a curfew so if that's the only reason you moved away from home, you better move back and save the money. All the parties are off campus anyways so try and find a rent by the room apt within a block of two of the school.

Academic Rigor

If you think being a college student makes you something special than get off your high horse. With the acception of a select few areas of study (doctors and engeneers for example), most employeers are just looking for students who have the drive to endure 4+ years of college. With that said, college is nothing but a glorified high school in which mommy and daddy no longer are there to make sure you get on the bus. I don't care how boring your professor is (and many of them are), go to class because many of them grade you partially on attendance (and you would be surprised what your brain will soak in while you are doodling on your notes anyway). Study when you can and don't stress the small stuff. No body is going to care what your GPA is once you graduate... they just want to see the degree.

Tips for prospective students

Don't live on campus unless you like curfews, sharing a room with a stranger and not having a kitchen. There are many appartments right next to campus that will rent out by the room to college students and match you based on profiles (just like in a dorm). The difference is $400 a mo vs. 3k a semester. You do the math. And speaking of math, don't by text books from the school. EVER. Find out what book you need and then search for it online one to two edditions older. MAYBE a chapter or two will be flip flopped, but it's virtually the same material and you will spend HUNDREDS of dollars less. Don't kid yourself... you won't read much more than the first chapter or two anyway.

In three sentences

Like most campuses these days, USF is a beautiful piece of industrious property smack dab in the middle of the ghetto of Tampa, Florida. As I have never attended any other school, the best I can tell you is to expect exactly what you got in high school: the good, the bad and the ugly. Expect to teach yourself.

Colton from Lutz, FL

05/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The campus is extremely well-lit and has police patrolling the area often. Additionally, an organization called SAFE Team is available to give students rides on carts to and from class at night if students feel unsafe walking by themselves. I lived on campus for three years and felt safe for the entire time. This doesn't necessarily apply to the area around campus though. While students are safe on campus, the areas around campus can be a bit unsafe so it's best to stay on campus if you are walking by yourself.

Greek Life

Greek life is wonderful at USF. Not only do Greeks have the support of the university but they even have their own area for housing called Greek Village. Many Greek students are found in leadership positions around campus and Greek students can be found engaging the campus and community regularly. Although Greek life can be a great supplemental experience for a student, it's not necessary. Most students do not join a fraternity or sorority and their experiences at USF are unaffected by the decision. They're great for getting involved quickly in all the university has to offer, but don't sweat it if you don't join one.

Clubs and Activities

The university offers membership to hundreds of different student interest organizations with the support of a robust and hard-working student government. Additionally, it's very simple to create another club if the interest exists. Regarding campus activities, there is always something going on at the university. Whether it's a sports game, Bull Market, Greek event, or any number of other activities, students can always find something to do at USF.

Great for these types of students

USF is great for just about any student due to its diversity and the many opportunities for students to learn and grow. It's especially wonderful for students like me who went to a homogenous high school and haven't experienced other cultures and viewpoints. USF is an eye-opening university and each student will take away something new from his or her experience there.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Marshall Student Center is USF's student union. Most people think of it as USF's mall or airport though since it's enormous, immaculate and very modern. It boasts several restaurants, many study rooms, meeting rooms, a two-story theater, a one-stop shop for ID cards and computer needs, multiple computer labs for students, a Beef O Brady's with an in-house radio station, and a lounge on the fourth floor where students can make coffee, relax, or even hook up gaming systems on large televisions. The MSC is really magnificent and every student can find something to do there.

Bang for the buck

Honestly, with a school like USF, you get what you put in. The school does not got out of its way to make sure anyone is happy or keeping up with their studies. It is a large, state university where every student needs to be persistent and independent. With that said, I really enjoy attending USF because of the myriad of things to do within and outside of the classes. It also still charges one of the lowest rates of tuition in the country to its students. If you put in the time and effort, your experience at this university will be memorable and awesome.

What to do for fun

USF is a huge university set in the urban area of Tampa. While there are hundreds of student interest groups and organizations on campus, students can also engage in sports, social events like campus movie nights in the student union's two story theater, or take a walk around USF's beautiful campus. There are dozens of restaurants, bars, and other attractions like the Busch Gardens and Adventure Island theme parks to go to off campus. This university offers so many things to do outside of academics and it really is a great place for college students to have fun while going to school.

Food and Dining

USF literally has dozens of places to eat right on campus. The student union has a food court with various restaurants like Subway, Moe's, and Chick-Fil-A. There are all-you-can-eat cafeterias all around campus and a student could honestly spend the entire academic year without having to leave campus for food. The meal plans at USF also mean that a student will never have to cook a meal and flex bucks allow students to place money into their USF accounts and use their ID cards to quickly swipe for a meal and be on their way.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is generally wonderful at USF. They have two new dorms at the university named Juniper and Poplar which are more like hotels than actual dorms complete with floor lobbies, a cafeteria, and a central lobby with mail boxes. There's plenty to keep an on-campus student busy during the week and residence halls generally have their own social programs too. I lived on campus for three years and do not regret a minute of it. It was an amazing experience and I would recommend that everyone live on campus for at least a year in college.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor at USF really depends on the program of study. Programs like mass communication, business, leadership studies, and creative writing have low workloads but often emphasize practical experience like internships or competitions. These programs can be a lot of fun depending on how much you put into them. Other programs like the natural sciences, social sciences, and accounting often have higher workloads associated with them. Don't be scared away by this. It's just the way that these disciplines work. USF has one of the most academically rigorous chemistry programs in the state and one of the hardest accounting programs in the country, but it's students graduate as some of the best graduates in their respective fields. Look into the program first and speak with other students about the rigor of their programs to get specific feedback.

Tips for prospective students

Apply early and be persistent. USF has not traditionally turned applicants away but this has changed over the past few years. Not everyone gets accepted anymore. Entrance requirements like GPA and SAT are really important so take the time to earn a high GPA and study for the SAT. Also, the university offers millions of dollars in scholarships to new students but you have to apply for them several months before the school year starts. Start looking into scholarships as early as October of the year before because their deadlines are often in the spring and long before the school year begins. Make some friends who are already at the university since they can give you specific tips on who to go to if you have an issue during the application process. It's easy to get lost in a big state university system so be diligent and take everything seriously. You'll have plenty of fun once you're accepted.

In three sentences

USF can be summed up in one word - diverse. With a student population of over 42,000 students of differing backgrounds, beliefs, and interests, one can find an organization or interest group for just about anything. The university also boasts an extremely diverse academic program for students to pursue multiple educational interests allowing for an all-around wonderful and eye-opening college experience.

Alana from Deltona, FL

06/10/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

There is a police presence always, not to the point of being overbearing however. Also, there are blue towers all over campus hat when you press the button someone will be there to help you within a minute.

There are over 400 clubs and organizations. There are some for different ethnicities, greek life, professional clubs, service clubs, and more.

Great for these types of students

Students who want a larger school with good traditions but also wants to have a say. The school is up-and-coming and is always taking suggestions. Someone who also wants to get a quality education without feeling like a number.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Week of Welcome is the biggest event on campus. It includes over 100 different events to get new students welcomed to the school, the is another in the spring for transfer students. Students can win prizes and learn about organizations during this festive time.

Bang for the buck

This is an overall great school for a good price, especially if you are an in-state kid.

What to do for fun

The Student Government puts on events for students on the weekends. The dorms hold events for the residents. There is a city about 20 minutes away called Ybor City that has plenty of clubs, bars, etc.

Food and Dining

Good food and clean atmosphere. The food is prepared well although it can get a little repetitive.

Dorm Life

Every school has good and bad dorms. The newest is Juniper-Poplar and is suite style but is a little secluded but within walking distance. Even with the bad dorms they are still livable and closer to the heart of campus.

Academic Rigor

The school has qualified professors and everyone I have talked to says they truly enjoy the classes.

Tips for prospective students

Visit as many things as you can on campus: buildings, classrooms, student center. Take a tour of housing, and take pictures of everything that you can. Get involved on campus and get to know your professors. Those professors can give you recommendations for grad school and internships.

In three sentences

The school is everything you could want and more. The academics are top of the line. The atmosphere is absolutely amazing. And you feel welcomed from the first second you step on campus.

Anonymous

08/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The campus safety at USF is top notch. It wouldn't be uncommon to see about 10 or more safety team carts cross your path on your way to class, after a big game, or near events. They are there for the students safety, they can either pick a student up or drop them off places late at night, or transport injured student from their dorm to the health office. Also around the campus you will see blue telephone looking poles that you can dial if you are ever lost or feeling unsafe in your environment and in a matter of minutes someone will be there to escort you to a different area. There are also flyer's and posters in every building on campus listing the numbers that we can reach the safety team on by call or text because above all, safety comes first.

Greek Life

The Greek life is very active at USF. From the fraternities/ sororities hosting a multitude of events down to the delectable food served at the dining halls. There is always some action going on, and they invite anyone and everyone to their events. The atmosphere can range from relaxed to hype within a matter of seconds, but it never gets out of hand or out of control.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club or activity that every and any student can be involved with and enjoy. From different language clubs to environmentally cautious clubs to leadership clubs. You name it and we have it. This is also a great way to make other connections and relationships with people that you don't usually see yourself affiliating with, and you can also sign up for club/activity positions that will not only look good on resumes, but also make one learn to be held accountable and be responsible.

Great for these types of students

If your athletic and have a ton of energy, intramural sports can be for you. This is a recreational sport where students in there spare time during the week can play a game of flag football, soccer, basketball, and etc with a group of their friends. If you're more of an indoor person, there's jazz musicals going on in our music department , coffee gatherings with other students, Bible talk, and multicultural shows going on in our Student Center.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

An unusual tradition that we have a USF is called a Stroll Out . It's when some of the fraternities/ sororities gather in our amphitheater and tell us about their organization and why some students should join, and at the end of it all they perform for us. Mostly it's stepping , hence the name of the event Stroll out but sometimes dancing and acting would be incorporated into it also.

Bang for the buck

If anyone is planning on attending the University of South Florida, you will most definitely be getting the best bang for your buck. The professors, courses, outings, events, friendships and etc will leave you with a very memorable impression about the University and lead you to share your experiences with other people, whether it be family, friends, neighbors , and etc. You will always have a story to tell if you attend the University of South Florida.

What to do for fun

Where do I begin??! The University of South Florida has so many activities going on daily, that one might wish for their own clone just to be able to go to them all. There's sports games( intramural and regular) , concerts, comedy shows, ice cream socials, step shows, parade floats, and many more! There is never a dull day at USF, something is always going on. So after acing that difficult Chemistry test, studying 3 hard hours for that Ethics test, or completing that 5 page paper for Religions, give yourself a break and find an interesting activity to do on campus.

Food and Dining

When it comes to USF food and dining you can't go wrong! USF has a variety of selections that bring together different parts of the world. For example, they serve delicious Mediterranean dishes, Hispanic delights, finger looking good African meals, and more! We even accommodate for our vegetarians by serving dishes such as tofu, tossed green salads, and etc.You may come in with a grumbling belly, but after dining at one of our halls and eating all that your heart desires, we promise that you won't leave with one.

Dorm Life

Dorm life at USF, is by far the one of the best parts of the University. Living in the dorms gives you the opportunity to make new friends with different backgrounds and personalities. The dorm is kind of like your own mini apartment, you learn to clean up after yourself, be courteous of others, and set boundaries need be. You make some of your best life long friends while living in the dorms at USF because many of them have a comfortable environment where the people are amiable and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Academic Rigor

The University of South Florida is a very competitive not only in sports but academics as well. So one needs to be ready to get challenged mentally in every possible way in any of the course that they take. Good things don't come easily, so in order to succeed you have to put in the work and effort in order to fulfill your dream. The courses at USF will cause you to think critically, evaluate, and come to conclusions about anything from poems to mathematical equations. The journey will not be an easy one, you will encounter struggles and hardships, but it will all pay off in the end.

Tips for prospective students

The Top three tips that I'd give to prospective students who plan on attending the University of South Florida are: Time management, ambition, and to be active. Time management is key for any success at any college or university because without it, you end up cramming for tests and not doing to good on them, you don't have time to get involved because most likely you've procrastinated and wish that there were more hours in the day. Ambition is also important because it's your catalyst in a way that gets you going in order to achieve and strive towards your goal. Furthermore, getting active is essential because it can help one get out of their comfort zone, meet new people, and explore the beautiful scenery on campus.

In three sentences

I would give the University of South Florida a 9/10 rating because there is no perfect university/college, yet when it comes to this one in particular, it comes pretty close. The food, environment, clubs/organizations, activities, concerts, are just a few perks that lend a helping hand to it being such a great campus. Once you step foot on the campus, you'll never want to leave; Once a Bull, always a Bull !

Green and Gold Girl

I have never felt unsafe on campus. Campus police are always patrolling the campus. At night students have free transportation if they do not feel safe walking alone.

Food and Dining

There are 4 dining halls on campus, which are open from 7am-2am depending on location. Plus there are multiple fast food locations around campus, especially in the student union.

Dorm Life

There is an extensive amount of campus housing. Some of the dorms are outdated and need repairs so apply early for campus housing to ensure a room in one of the newer buildings.

Academic Rigor

Professors are strict on class attendance and assignment deadlines.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to visit the campus at least once before deciding to attend to make sure it is the right place for you because this will be your home for the next few years.

In three sentences

USF Tampa is a large campus with a dynamic student body. Finding your way around campus is simple and you can always run in to someone you know walking to and from class. There is a large amount of green space in the middle of campus, which hosts a lot of activities or study space depending on the day.

Nicole from Tampa, FL

My advice to you would be to research your major and decide early on if you want to stick with it.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida has given me a great freshman experience. There is a good sense of loyalty here; I know that as the USF Bulls we will all stick together after graduation. However, I have a problem with how you are required to live on campus your first year and even purchase an unnecessary and extremely pricey meal plan if you live on campus.

This school has an amazing atmosphere with wonderful professors and grad student teachers. As a friend of mine very eloquently put it, It's all good and everything here. Three sentences is no adequate way of describing the awesome that is embodies in USF Tampa

Destiny from Tampa, FL

01/16/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

They have this awesome way of making sure students feel and stay safe other than the on campus police, there are emergency buttons all over campus (I believe you are always supposed to be able to see at least 3 from every point on campus) so if you ever feel threatened help will be there very soon. If you are uncomfortable walking home at night there is safe team that will with walk with you or give you a ride back to your room. Safe team will also send a taxi to pick you up if you were out with friends and do not have a designated driver, all you have to pay is the tip for the taxi driver.

Greek Life

Greek life is always doing something, they are involved with the community and do not have a bad reputation. If you are not interested in joining, like me, there is still plenty of other things to get involved with.

Clubs and Activities

There is literally something for EVERYONE!

Bang for the buck

It does get annoying when you are told to buy a book that you hardly use for a class, but that happens in every University.

What to do for fun

There is always something to do, there's 'movies on the lawn' where they show movies in theaters right on campus. If you like sports but don't want to focus on it, join inter-mural teams! There is everything from basketball and field hockey to quidditch.

Food and Dining

There are four dining halls within the main campus, and they all have a different variety of food everyday. There is a main food court on campus with Subway, Moe's, Subarro, Chick fil a, and I heard they were putting in a Panda Express. There are also multiple Starbucks, Einsteins, Jamba Juice, Beef O Brady's, Pollo Tropical, and more.

Dorm Life

I lived on campus for two years, and this is where I met a lot of my friends today. I think the best dorms on campus are the Cypress apartments.

Academic Rigor

I believe the academic rigor varies between different majors. You could take organic chem II and have to work for your A, or take the Harry Potter course and Overall the university is very helpful in all your academic needs, there are always tutors available and the professor's or TA's office hours are good to take advantage of as well.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved! Join clubs, fraternities/sororities, and go to all the games! You only have four years of college so make it count! I promise you will meet so many people...I am from Miami and even though I do not have any family in Tampa, I have made many close friends that I now consider apart of my family just by getting involved.

In three sentences

On the outside, the University of South Florida may seem like any other public university, but I now know how beautiful and inviting this university really is. There is always something to do, on and off campus, and plenty of friendly faces to help you along the way! I have learned so much in my classes and about myself the past three years that I have been here, and has been such a priceless experience that I wish everyone gets to experience at the University of South Florida!

Jessica from Tampa, FL

01/21/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
54 of 417

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Campus Safety

Campus Safety here is awesome. If you need a ride from somewhere at night you can call safeteam and they will pick you up and take you where you need to go. There are also Blue Emergency Lights you can push if something happens and the University Police will come to that location.

Greek Life

The Greek Life here is popular. Although I am not a part of it I know many girls and boys who love being a part of Greek Life.

Clubs and Activities

The different clubs here are endless. There is everything from rock climbing to veterinarian clubs. Any interest you have you will be able to find a club for it.

Great for these types of students

Students who are looking for a very providing school this is it. USF does a great job at providing everything a student could ever need.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

My favorite place on campus is Camilles Cafe. It is a quaint little cafe that very few people know about but it is my favorite dining place on campus.

Bang for the buck

The University of South Florida is a great school to go to. You really do get what you pay for and beyond.

What to do for fun

There are tons of things one can do for fun. There are movies on the lawn, carnivals, hypnosis performances, and all the sporting events you could imagine. there is always something fun to do here at USF.

Food and Dining

The dining halls are not spectacular but they are not horrible. There is room for a healthy living style.

Dorm Life

I live in traditional style dorms and I love it. It is how i met all of my friends. Sharing bathrooms and a common room with a bunch of people allows for a very social living style.

Academic Rigor

Sometimes things can work against you as distractions but stay on top of your school work. College is nothing like high school; you are your own teacher in a sense if you want to learn you need to put the work in.

Tips for prospective students

Fill out your applications early. Do not wait for deadlines; be proactive and fill out all of your applications as soon as you can. Housing goes fast so be sure to file your application early. Also classes fill up very quick so secure your spot in registering for classes.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is a beautiful campus. I enjoy being able to walk to all of my classes. It is the perfect sized campus for me.

Hope from Brooksville, FL

02/04/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

Every month there are tons of different events and acitivities you can get involved with on campus, and there is a rare week that something isn't going on in the Marshall Student Center. There is movie night pretty frequently on the lawn or in the Oval theater, there are free classes to take at the gym to have a little fitness fun, and most sporting events are free to USF students.

Food and Dining

I believe I have eaten at every dining hall on campus and tried just about every restaurant, and the selection is pretty good. I think I have only had the same thing at a meal hall twice. The Champion's Choice is my personal favorite because of all the healthy options.

Dorm Life

I personally am a commuter student living in Brandon because I couldn't afford to dorm, but I have many friends who do live in dorms. The dorms are well monitored by floor specific RA's who always seem really nice when I go visit my friends. Everyone I know who lives in a dorm has made more friends and connected better with the school by living on campus.

Academic Rigor

Some of my classes have been more challenging than others, but I have not walked away from a class able to say that I didn't learn anything. All of my professors have been knowledgeable and even if the content is more simple, I still learn a great deal.

Tips for prospective students

The first semester is always the hardest because it is a huge adjustment; don't give up! Failing one assignment just means you need to try harder, not that you aren't cut out for college. If you don't make friends right away, be patient because you will by the time your first year is over.

In three sentences

The campus is clean and beautiful; enjoyable to walk or bike around. My academic experiences so far have been great; I have found a few favorite professors. Making friends has been really easy because of all the events and activities USF plans.

Dennis from North Port, FL

Busch Gardens and Adventure Islands are right down the road from USF, and Tampa is filled with many things to do.

Food and Dining

There are multiple places to eat throughout campus ranging from Moe's to Chik-fil-A to buffets.

Dorm Life

I live off campus so this does not apply to me. From what I've seen and heard, the dorms seem fairly nice.

Academic Rigor

The classes here can be fairly difficult, but not too overwhelming. The instructors are great, and as long as you manage your study time well you should do alright.

Tips for prospective students

Take your time in high school very seriously. How well you do can often determine what school you will be able to attend and what financial assistance you will receive.

In three sentences

USF Tampa is a great university with friendly students and staff. The quality of education is top notch, with wonderful tutoring and assistance on campus. If I had to choose a university all over again, I would definitely maintain my choice to attend USF.

Heath from Tampa, FL

02/20/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

There are big blue light emergency buttons everywhere to help you in the event of danger! You can usually find some kind of cart with campus staff going around, and there are numbers to call if you just want a ride across campus!

Greek Life

Its pretty big, and the Greek housing is a nice area too.

Clubs and Activities

SO MANY. I can't even name them all, but to start- video game clubs language/ethnicity clubs academic/social help clubs baking clubs sport clubs religious clubs

Great for these types of students

ALL OF THEM. Unless you hate the sun and some heat.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Noone steps on the USF seal in the Marshall Student Center. NOONE. There's a meteorite enshrined on campus that landed here forever ago. And a HUGE group of people that play Humans Vs. Zombies, which is the best thing ever.

There's a huge night life around campus, plenty of intramural sports and games to attend. (football games are the BEST) Plus the Marshall Student Center has hangout lounges with giant plasma screen tvs

Food and Dining

I'll be honest and say there are days where EVERYONE can complain about the food. But overall the food isn't bad, some days its great and they even have special holidays or planned events in the 4 dining halls on campus. Plus one of them is open until 2 am if you ever get super hungry.

Dorm Life

Living in the Honors College Living Learning Community has probably been the best part of being at USF. I live in Juniper hall, which is one of the newer halls and it has suite style dorms. I personally prefer them and the community, and feel that some of the other dorms may be a bit less quality, but there's actually more of a sense of community in those residence halls.

Academic Rigor

Definitely tougher than community college classes and high school, but in my first year on campus none of my classes have been too difficult.

Tips for prospective students

USE YOUR ADVISERS! They're all knowledgeable and know how to help you get where you need to be. Also, go to every campus activity that has free food.

In three sentences

Beautiful South Florida atmosphere nestled in the northern Tampa area, USF's campus is surprisingly stunning. There's always a healthy amount of campus life, including students, squirrels, and scenery to make walking the grounds enjoyable. The library is a great area to study, the gym is newly refurbished and there are plenty of fields to play on, if that's your thing!

USF is a top competitor in Florida, and unlike other state schools, the city itself has a lot to offer. It is located in Tampa, home of many professional sports teams, major hospitals, amusement parks, and large business. Together, all of these provide a great environment for the college student to learn and have opportunities that can only be found at the University of South Florida.

Although I do not live in a dorm, many of my friends that do live in dorms never say anything negative.

Academic Rigor

Depending on what you are majoring in will vary in the rigor of your studies.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be shy to meet new people. Be open-minded and willing to listen to people speak, you never know what you will learn. Attend student organized events, free information that you probably have never heard of, and most of the time, free food!

In three sentences

The Main Campus of USF is a very diverse and easy-to-adapt. All of the students studying are mature and always ready to accept an invitation to talk, help with directions, etc. Because of such diversity, it will be very easy to find a group that you can join and be comfortable.

Julian from Parkland, FL

06/21/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
62 of 417

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Campus Safety

Campus safety is pretty tight. There are on campus police always roaming and there are emergency blue lights spread throughout campus in case a student or someone else needs help. The blue lights when the button is pressed alerts the campus police and any campus security which is nice to know.

Greek Life

I am not in Greek Life but I heard its kinda nice and people love it and make long term friends from it.

Clubs and Activities

I am not in any clubs at the moment but might consider to be in one since there are so many to choose from!

Great for these types of students

USF is great for any student that wants to go to a great school. USF is so diverse that it is a great place for any student.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One unusual location I would say, its pretty cool though is that there is a tree that is bend over so much that you can either enjoy the shade or climb its branches, and its a big tree!

Bang for the buck

University of South Florida is a great university with a great thing going overall. The students and faculty are very friendly and everyone can be themselves.

What to do for fun

There is so much things to do for fun. Just for a start off you can hang out with you dorm family and just chill. For people who live on and off of campus there are movies on the lawn once a week, comedy shows, homecoming, Bulls Week, football games, football game tailgating and so much much!

Food and Dining

The food and dining is awesome! There is a wide selection of foods along with a salad and fruit bar every day! Also different dining halls have different foods so you can eat somewhere different everyday if you like even though the dining halls dont serve the same food everyday.

Dorm Life

Dorm life my first year was great! Everyone was very sociable and friendly. It is one of the best ways to make friends that are like your college family while you are on campus. You have a Tv on every floor that everyone can use as well as a kitchen where you can cook and bake in!

Academic Rigor

The academics are really good and they will challenge you if you waste time. If you stay on top of your classes you will be fine.

Tips for prospective students

It would be helpful to find your classes before the day of class. Usually in the evenings campus is pretty quiet so grab a buddy and walk campus to go find your classes!

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is a great university with a lovely campus. The school is very academic and athletically oriented. Also the campus is very diverse which is amazing.

Devon from Port Charlotte, FL

They have a lot of events on campus so make sure to read the newsletter so you know whats going on!

Food and Dining

Meal plans are expensive, The food in certain dining halls was sub par, but theyve stepped it up after complaints were made. They have a lot of variety and are adding more and more.

Dorm Life

I honestly cant rate this because I dont live in a dorm. I know friends who say that they enjoyed it because they got to know people on campus and make friends. Convenient to be on campus for classes, and to attend events. Meal plans are expensive though.

Academic Rigor

The science classes are hard, depending on the teachers you get, so be prepared to spend hours in the tutoring center, library, or with your face in a book studying!

Tips for prospective students

Look up reviews on all teachers so that you can choose the best one for you. Make sure to use the tutoring lab in the library- there are great tutors there and its free. Take early morning or evening classes to avoid having a hard time finding parking. Apply to as many scholarships and grants as possible, and do whatever work study programs you can. Participate in as many as the events the school has to offer, youre paying for them in your fees so why not enjoy them? One great thing about this school is that they offer a lot of free events that are really good. Keep an eye out for trucks giving free things away, sometimes they hand out free drink or food!

In three sentences

Parking tends to be hard to find unless you have early morning classes, and the permits are quite expensive. Classes tend to be pretty big, and most of the teachers I have encountered arent all that helpful, though Ive had a few awesome professors as well. The cost of tuition keeps rising, and there arent enough scholarship opportunities to help with balancing out the cost.

Malika from Miami, FL

08/25/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

There is so much to do on campus and off campus too. Get involved in clubs so that you can meet friends and get involved in social events. Also try to go to at least one of the football games and talk to people in your dorm....for the most part everyone is friendly and are eager to make friends as much as you are.

Food and Dining

The food in the dining hall is great but it can get tiresome after a while luckily we have restaurants on campus like Subways, Pollo Tropical (google this if you've haven't heard of it....it's awesome), Beefs O Brady, Panda Express, Moe's and others to quench your appetite.

Dorm Life

There are a lot of living arrangements on campus, it really depends on you're comfort level. My first semester here I stayed in Juniper Poplar (JP for short), a suite style hall, and the space was awesome. My roommate and I never got into each others way and there was space for anything but if you're the type of person that can't share a share a bathroom with two other people then apartment style is the place for you. On the other hand if you're the super social type then traditional is where you want to be. I'm currently living in Beta and even though my room is small...it's a really great space to live in because everything is so near. An important tip for traditional style dorms is to make sure you can at least get a long with your roommate like I said the space is small, so if you have tension with your roommate it is better to get out early. Other than that living on campus for whatever style dorm you have won't be awful.

Academic Rigor

The classes here at USF can be challenging at times and if you're not managing your time properly getting behind in a class can happen easily. It is really important that you set aside time to study, the social scene here can really take up a lot of your time so setting aside time is crucial for your success. Also write down when you have major assignments due anywhere if it helps because for the most part it worth most of your grade for the semester. If you're not a morning person like I am then make sure you pick classes later in the day, trust me you don't want to wake up late for class...ever, because you can miss a lot of important information. Finally when picking classes go, no run to rate my professor. College is about survival more than anything else and a major part of that survival is having the best professors.

Tips for prospective students

The key to admissions at USF is a strong essay and standardized scores. Although you can get by with average scores, it is better to be on the higher end because the admissions process is a rigorous just like most other schools. Also take a tour of our campus or the campus of any schools you've applied to, to see whether you can see yourself here. If you're not in love then this should be a sign that this school is not for you. On your tour ask questions!! I can not stress this enough, because accepting enrollment at a college is probably one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your life. Also don't be afraid to call the admissions office if you have questions about your admissions.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is truly one of the best institutions in the state of Florida. Not only is it located in middle of a major city: Tampa but the academic and social opportunities here are countless. Ranked one of the greenest campus in the United States, USF is dedicated to providing an energy-sustainable as well as a healthy environment for all its students. Our campus is one of the most beautiful campus in the state of Florida as well as in the nation. When walking to class from anywhere on campus there are beautiful sculptures as well as landscape to admire. Making the decision to come to USF is one of the best decisions I have made.

Jessica from Port Saint Lucie, FL

Go to class, go to class, go to class and do the work! Do not procrastinate either.

Bang for the buck

Though you do get a lot for what you pay for, financial aid is not the best around here. They are often frustrating at times and there aren't a lot of scholarships to go around if FAFSA doesn't say you need it.

Am enjoying being here

There is so much to do on campus anytime, anywhere. There is never a dull moment. When I am not studying, I am attending the lecture series where well-known people come to share their lives with the students. I also love movies on the lawn and Bulls Nite Out. On Wednesdays, they have a flea market called the Bull Market where you can buy almost anything for little. The football games are the most fun! There is a lot of school pride here.

Am learning a lot

So far, I have loved all of my classes and my professors. I am finding that I retain a lot of information than in high school due to the high level of interest and passion that the professors have for their subject. However, you get what you put in as a student so if you aren't doing the work and not reading the textbooks, you will not learn as much. It is more of the student's responsibility to learn than it is in high school.

Jenny from Fort Myers, FL

It is great for just about any student. Especially those who are ready to try new things and make new friends.

Tips for prospective students

Some tips for you High school and transfer students would be to just give the school time to grow on you. Also talk to people. everyone here is extremely nice and are looking for friends. You have nothing to lose if you put yourself out there to meet new people. That's the number one tip I have for everyone. Moving to a new place you need to try and make new friends. Be loud and sociable, put yourself in an uncomfortable position by breaking the ice. In the end it will be worth it to have made a new life long friend. What they say is true, your college friends really are life long. On top of making new friends time management is also important! You have to make a schedule to stay on top of your homework, essays and classes. You also need to have time for yourself, make sure to schedule some of that in as well! Those are the two most important things to remember to do well in college.

Bang for the buck

You do learn a lot for what you pay, and if you have bright futures its even more worth it. The only thing is that like any other college, they charge and get as much money out of you as they can. Books are ridiculous, I would recommend a book rental website or amazon. Other than that, this school is worth your time and money.

Am enjoying being here

Coming here I was very nervous. I am only two hours away from home but I knew I wouldn't be visiting very often. The first couple of days were full of nerves and home sickness, but eventually my roommates and I became super close! I feel almost more at home here than I do in Fort Myers. This university also has a program at the beginning of each semester called Week of Wow which was very helpful in getting used to the school and meeting awesome people.

Am learning a lot

This university has been very helpful to me! I have learned so many new things I was not expecting to learn. I have taken such a variety of classes and learned such interesting information. I am a biology major, but have taken classes in psychology and classical mythology, which are both immensely interesting. Also being a chemistry major I have to take many science classes which I am horrible in, but the help that they provide has been extremely useful. I have been able to grasp a hold of chemistry and feel like I will become a very successful biology major.

Jose from New Port Richey, FL

This university is great for any and all types of students who are dedicated to working hard and achieving their goal of graduating from a fine institution.

Tips for prospective students

Although there is always something to do, always remember why you're at the university in the first place. It's always fun to hang out with friends or party, but the most important rule is that academics come first. No matter how much fun a party can be, once you start slacking in the academics, the party is over. Take advantage of any and all resources around you, and definitely push yourself. Effort at this university greatly pays off, and many professors notice it, which can help in the future when you need letters of recommendation and such.

Bang for the buck

Like most universities, the cost of attendance is quite high. A full-time student can typically expect to pay roughly $3000 per semester for tuition costs alone, but there are many scholarship opportunities that can help reduce the costs.

Am enjoying being here

I absolutely love the time I spend on campus. Fellow students are extremely friendly and always willing to help out one another, as are professors. I have yet to meet a professor who is not willing to answer a few questions after class or prior to class starting.

Am learning a lot

Throughout my years at the University of South Florida, I have found that I have learned much more than I anticipated and use it in my everyday life. I'm an engineering student, and find that the professors do care about their students and want them to participate actively in the classroom.

Tiffany from Tampa, FL

05/31/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Tips for prospective students

It's a large school, so be prepared to get lost a few times. Make sure you have a map and know exactly where you're going. You'll meet a lot of new and exciting people, so embrace the college lifestyle. You'll love it(:

Carlos from Riverview, FL

Awesome students who like to have fun and also get a good education while they are at it.

Tips for prospective students

Think hard about what you wan to do with your future. Time spent in the wrong major is wasted money that you will never get back so make sure you are sure and happy with where your major will take you before pursuing it. Also remember most employers care more about having a degree than what your major it.

Bang for the buck

USF can be expensive when it comes to books and tuition rates (currently set to increase this Fall by 15%). On top of that parking is crazy and also pricey so it is by no means cheap. Still...I do make the most of the situation and take advantage of anything the school organizes using my money.

Am enjoying being here

USF has been a fun and rewarding time. I have made lots of friends, had a chance to really get involved, and also been able to get my degree at the same time. There is nothing like college life.

Am learning a lot

USF has a solid educational foundation. It may not be the most advanced in the USA, but you can learn many things if you apply yourself. Most professors have a solid background in the subject they teach and can become valuable assets.

Find ways to get involved on campus as soon as you can. It makes the whole experience much more fun, and people (especially employers) are always looking for involvement.

Am enjoying being here

I live on campus, and it makes everything a much more exciting experience. Though USF is largely a commuter school, everyone I know that lives on campus enjoys it!

Am learning a lot

USF is a great school. I just recommend checking out your professors on ratemyprofessors.com before you sign up for classes, and make sure to talk to people and see who has had the professors you are looking at taking, and if other students have recommendations.

Taylor from Lakeland, FL

07/16/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

USF is great for students that need a little bit of flexibility in thir schedule. They offer a ton of classes at all different times. It is great for students that have not been away from home before. The campus is big enough for you to gain independence, but is small enough that if you needed help you could find some! USF is just a great, fun place to go to college!

Tips for prospective students

Apply ON-TIME!!!!!! Many students that apply late do not get into the specific location they wanted to go to. There is a USF in Tampa, Lakeland, and St.Pete. Some of the locations only offer certain majors, so remember to apply on time so you can get into the location that you need to be at!

Am enjoying being here

USF does not have the common college town atmosphere but living on campus gives you a great feeling of what it is like to live at a college. There are many events that take place on campus for you to get involved with. I am living on campus again next year, just because i love the environment!

Am learning a lot

At USF all of the professors that i have had so far are willing to help you if you are behind or do not understand something they discussed in class. Many of them have office hours where you can go and discuss anything about the class that you need. They also offer classes and a variety of different times, and even some online so it makes it easy for you to plan around you schedule if you play sports or work. And a major plus at USF is that they have free tutoring in the Library.

Tracy from Cape Coral, FL

07/16/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

USF is good for all students because of the great variety offered. Whether, you're a book worm, a hairy homebody, a jock, etc. If you're willing to make the effort then you should definitely join the USF family. Go Bulls!!!

Tips for prospective students

- Go to class!!! - Pay attention in orientation - it will be useful later on. - Learn the bus routes. - Find out where your classes are ahead of time. - Be at least 30 mins early to class on the first day especially if its a lecture class. - Exchange numbers with you room mate. - Study hard but don't overload yourself - you need to have a fun some times.

Bang for the buck

USF is a really good for it being one of the cheaper universities to attend in Florida. You pay about $150 per credit hour. USF is definitely worth it. None of the classrooms use chalk boards, it's all dry erase boards or projectors. The dorm rooms are great; the Andros area dorms are the worst, but they still are not that bad, they've recently been remodeled. The dining halls are great because they change the menu everyday for variety but there is always pizza available. The Pod Market and C-Store are stores that provide food necessities, from cereal, milk, ice cream, frozen foods, snacks, etc. There's also a lot of fast food restaurants like Burger King, 2 Subways, 2 Starbucks, Moe's, Chick-fil-a, etc. If you live in apartment-style dorms then you have a chicken, so you can cook your own meals. So beware the Freshmen 15 (gaining 15 lbs in your freshmen year) and come check out USF for yourself. Go Bulls!!!

Am enjoying being here

I love all the activities that USF offers its students. We have so many student organizations from Honors, Greek, Religious, and Multicultural. If we don't have the club you want, then it's easy to start one. Clubs include The Quidditch Team, Video Game Club, Bull Bikers, Apple Users, etc. If you want to do sports, you can do intramural sports or if just want to work out you can go to the Rec. Center. USF also holds Movies on the Lawn once a month like Harry Potter, The Social Network, Rango. The BullRunner on Route D also has a stop by the mall and Wal-Mart. For adventure seekers Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are like 5-10 minutes away. There's even a bus that takes you to Club Prana for a $10 cover charge on Thursday nights. It's like a little city in here, everything is provided for students. So come and see for yourself. Go Bulls!!!

Am learning a lot

USF offers a variety of courses from canoeing to latin dance classes. General classes like Chemistry and American History are big lecture classes anywhere from 150 to 250 students. I remember my freshmen year by Intro. to Religions class had about 420 students, no joke. But even though the class sizes are big, if you make the time to go see and talk to your professor, you will be in great shape. Study hard, the library is open 24 hours a day to students, and apply to USF!!! Go Bulls!!!

Rebecca from Bradenton, FL

07/20/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Dedicated, spirited, and willing to learn.

Tips for prospective students

If you are reading this, you are most likely about to start college. You are an adult now and college is all about what you make it. If you want to sit in your room all day, you are probably not going to make a lot of friends. If you want to party all the time and never study, your grades will probably reflect that. If you want to act like you are cooler and smarter than everyone at your college, you probably won't learn much about yourself, diversity, or leadership skills. No one in college is going to make you do anything. Not your professors, advisers, or your RAs. If you are living on campus, your parents won't be around to guide you from wrong to right anymore. Your college experience is all about your decisions and the consequences of those decisions. Take college classes seriously. They are going to be a lot different from your high school classes. They are going to require that you study and actually put effort into them. Your professor is not going to make sure you turn in your homework, and they may not even take attendance! Some professors expect you to read a chapter a week on your own so that you know what is going on in lecture. Form relationships with your professors by going to office hours because eventually you will need them to write you a reccommendation letter. Specifically for USF, everyone is willing to make friends so don't be afraid to start a random conversation with anyone. The go to questions are: What's your major? What classes are you taking? Who are your professors? Where do you live? etc.

Bang for the buck

USF is relatively inexpensive compared to other universities. Also, the money that you do spend in fees and such, you can definitely get back through free events, food, and items. This upcoming school year, every weekend USF will be having a Bull's Night Out on campus. Those events can be anywhere from free movies and popcorn to a huge slip-and-slide and blow up slide. Especially during the first few weeks of classes, there is no reason to pay for any meal. Also, frisbees, shirts, coozies, and basically anything else are given away at all of these events.

Am enjoying being here

I have only been at USF a year, but have already met so many people and made so many friends. I have literally found my home away from home and I will be so sad when I leave. I have so much Bull Pride and I absolutely love everything about USF. I bleed green and gold! College is all about being an adult, and depending on how much efforts students put into their experience, they can have the time of their lives. If students are willing to go out, make friends, and get involved, I promise they will love it here.

Am learning a lot

USF professors are great! They are well versed in the subjects they teach and most are involved with innovating research on the subject they teach at the institution. As long as students are willing to learn, they will. Students can also learn outside of the classroom by getting involved on campus. Getting involved teaches students about themselves, others, and the university. By taking leadership positions, students grow as a person and a leader.

M, PC

07/30/2011

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Tips for prospective students

If you're looking for a college that is big on diversity, then this is the school for you. I knew it'd be diverse because of it's location, but when I went to orientation they emphasized so much on it and they also showed it too. I can't wait to start attending in 3 weeks! It's also a very beautiful campus!

Aldo from Medley, FL

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Great for these types of students

Anyone willing to learn and have a good time.

Tips for prospective students

Study, that is the key to success. And relax.

Bang for the buck

Compared to several other schools, this school is really cheap for everything it offers to its students. Ranging from tuition, to meal-plans, to housing, and even renting a laptop, this school has it all.

Will enjoy being here

Definitely. USF is really green, with trees and squirrels everywhere. And if you're not an outdoor person, don't worry, the library and computer rooms are always open. But if even that doesn't help, don't worry, Busch Gardens is a few blocks away from campus.

Will learn a lot

Even if you don't learn much from the classrooms (I doubt that), the atmosphere will teach you something. Being around so many other people like you can help you learn so much about anything you want to learn, as long as it's possible.

chandra from Navarre, FL

08/03/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

It is great for students that can motivate themselves, because the teachers will not hover or push you to do your work. They tell you what you need to do and when to do it, but then its up to you whether or not your going to do it. Also it is great for shy people, the first semester helps you meet new people and get out there as a person, and to get comfortable with the activities around campus.

Tips for prospective students

Try not to have a job. You will be so busy with school, that if you also have a job then there would be no time for you to experience the college life. With all the extra out of class time you use for school, you will need to have your down time with friends and other groups so that you do not get burned out after you first two years.

Bang for the buck

You get to have a lot of free amenities on campus. There are two gyms, three pools one indoors. There are a diverse amount of activities that you can do, and even more clubs you can join.

Am enjoying being here

I really enjoy going here. Everyone that you meet is generally very friendly and helpful, especially the student body government.

Am learning a lot

My first year here all the teachers and professors were extremely helpful. There were no stupid questions in almost all the classes. Also I got very lucky with my professors in the harder classes, they actually knew how to teach.

Elizabeth from Fort Walton Beach, FL

Undergraduates- those who are sure of what they want out of life as well as those who are still trying to decide. The staff will do whatever they can to help YOU!

Tips for prospective students

Figure out what you want to major in. Research your major. Decide what school fits you best. Don't forget, it's great to go to a different school for your master's or professional degree!

Bang for the buck

They provide many scholarships for almost any type of student. The prices are reasonable and your experiences here will definitely make it worth while!

Will enjoy being here

The school and staff are very friendly and helpful. In some ways, it is like a small town school with the state university label!

Will learn a lot

My friends have attended this school and really enjoyed every minute of it. They are very undergraduate friendly and will do anything they can to help you succeed. For starting out, this is a great school with many great programs and opportunities!

Najja from NY

As an Out-of-State student, I would expect to pay more, but it's a great deal.

Am enjoying being here

So far, there have not been a weekend here at USF where I was bored, doing nothing in my room. There are plenty of options to choose from to make a great weekend, such as going to sports events, going to an event that Student Government or the Center for Student Involvement promotes, or checking out what Fraternities and Sororities have open for the public. Besides the things on campus, we have Busch Gardens 2 miles away, 2 beaches that are about 45-60 minutes away, and other entertainment locations.

Am learning a lot

Everywhere you go, learning is involved. Whether it's through getting connected with the residents in your building to traveling to places off campus, there's always something you can take away from this big campus besides in the classroom. I give USF 5 stars for what you can learn and how much you can learn as well. Just by getting involved in organizations, there's an environment filled with growth and development that contributes to how well you learn. What can't you learn from one of the 500 organizations we have?

Danielle from Tampa, FL

09/27/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Those interested in the sciences and research as there's so many opportunities for you if you work hard and are a bit competitive. Those who like to get involved and be sociable. Those who embrace diversity. Open-minded individuals who are ready to learn.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved as much as possible and don't be afraid to seek help if you need it. There's always someone out there that can help you.

Bang for the buck

The University of South Florida offers quite a few resources for their students. There's free tutoring, free printing up to a certain number of prints a day, a computer lab, rooms in the library you can reserve for projects, and much more. There's also the Bull Runner that can take you around campus and off campus to the mall or the nearby Walmart or off-campus housing. A few of the local buses also stop on campus in case you need to go further off campus and do not have a ride.

Am enjoying being here

The University of South Florida has tons of ways to have fun and get involved. There's Bull Market every Wednesday where different organizations and vendors set up tables outside of the Marshall Student Center. There's Movies on the Lawn on Wednesday evenings where you can go with friends to watch movies and relax. There's always something happening at the Marshall Student Center and there's always advertisements up about upcoming events. Also, there's so many organizations of which you can be a part. Personally, I love community service and joined the national co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, and have not regretted my decision once.

Am learning a lot

The University of South Florida is a great research university, in my opinion. Most of the professors and TA's are part of some lab or another and their research is so interesting. Also, as they have practical knowledge and experience, they are able to help you and relay the information in a useful manner for the most part.

Christopher from Safety Harbor, FL

10/18/2011

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Great for these types of students

Students who enjoy a relaxed, yet serious campus lifestyle. Students who enjoy being minutes away from the downtown business district of Tampa, where many cool shops, internships, and fun place to pass time exist. OR for students who need to travel, and wish to be close to an international airport.

Tips for prospective students

Keep your grades up!! GPA and SAT scores are a huge factor in your acceptance. They really are looking for the all rounded student who involves them self in both in class, and extracurricular activities such as sports, volunteering, anything. The best way to get your self noticed is to show off your involvement in clubs that will make a difference, after all we are the next generation of humans, who will be innovating and changing the world as we see it.

Bang for the buck

Tuition is still quite expensive, however a lot of scholarship opportunities are available, most requiring little to no work at all to apply.

Will enjoy being here

The hospitality on this campus is great! The dorms, and off campus apartments are amazing, and there are a ton of opportunities for any college student to live their dream.

Will learn a lot

The teachers and students seemed very friendly, approachable, and there for your own good. The majors are endless, and the class size isnt the best, but is still definitely manageable.

Madalyn from Winter Park, FL

10/21/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Great for all students! Because it is such a big school, it is very diverse. There is a niche for everyone. If you're worried about getting lost at a big school, don't. There are many ways to create that small community. You can have a small school experience at a big university, but not the other way around.

Tips for prospective students

Get out and do stuff! Read the emails you get from the school, and pick a fun event to go enjoy. They are great ways to meet new people, or connect with the new friends you have. Also, they are tons of fun. Balance your time, and make time to study, but make time for fun too!

Bang for the buck

There are fantastic scholarships offered by the school. If you want to come, but have a money issue, there is definitely something you can do about it.

Am enjoying being here

There is always something to do. It is a beautiful campus. Everyone is very nice, and there is never a dull moment.

Am learning a lot

There are tons of classes and professors to choose from. Pick the ones that fit you and your major, and you're set!

Bob Parker from Honolulu, Hawaii

11/05/2011

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has not been to campus.

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Tips for prospective students

Try to do as best you can on the SAT and/or ACT, especially if you are a Florida resident, as Bright Futures is based on SAT scores. In addition, many merit-based scholarships place a great weight on standardized test scores

Bang for the buck

If you are a Florida resident, Bright Futures should cover much of the tuition costs. In addition, USF provides both merit-based and need-based scholarships.

Will enjoy being here

With a campus size of over 50,000 people, you may never be alone and may find yourself constantly talking to many interesting people.

Will learn a lot

From my research, this school provides many learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom

Kylandra from Cape Coral, FL

11/10/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

If you're not really into the whole football runs everything thing, this school is for you. It's more laid back and everyone is really nice here. People are out having picnics on the grass and tons of people long board or bike around campus. The scenery is beautiful.

Ryan from St Petersburg, FL

11/22/2011

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Tips for prospective students

It is a beautiful campus and anyone considering an up and coming school should consider USF Tampa. There are many great professors and the music department is quickly becoming one of the most esteemed in Florida.

Christian from Lutz, FL

12/27/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

If you enjoy large campuses, tons of people, and some great teachers. Additionally, if you are a science major (including biology, chemistry, bio-medical) USF is a growing research facility and is number 2 in the state of Florida for sciences and mathematics.

Tips for prospective students

Obtain as many scholarships as possible, try commuting to college, (cheaper!) pursue a degree you feel passionate for and stay motivated.

Ashley from Viera, FL

i always feel very safe while on campus and walking around at night by myself. there are always security and cops, both usf and tampa police, on campus at all times.

Greek Life

not really my thing, but there are a ton of chapters to look at and join if you're interested.

Bang for the buck

tuition is fair, being a florida resident. my bright futures takes care of moat all of it, but, it's still a fair cost.

What to do for fun

there are always fun on campus activities going on - whether it's movies on the lawn or bull's night out, there is something to do. get involved! join a club!

Food and Dining

being on the meal plan is such a nice thing! i don't have to worry about cooking and getting my food off campus somewhere. there are 4 dining halls to choose from. the food is great, however, the service is kind of slow. worth the wait though. there are also a bunch of other restaurants on campus that you can go to as well.

Dorm Life

living on campus is great here at usf! there are three different types of living styles offered across campus. personally, living in the apartment style dorms is perfect for me. i get to have my own room and share a bathroom with one other person. the four of us then also have a kitchen and living room all to ourselves! it's great!

Academic Rigor

there is a wide range of courses to choose from to fulfill the requirements for each major. some classes will be hard, but the professors are fair. if you put the effort and time into the classes, the grades will reflect that.

Tips for prospective students

make sure to visit campus early, before you apply, if you are seriously thinking about coming here or even if you're just curious as to what the school has to offer! ask questions to advisors if you have them. they are here to help you!

In three sentences

the university of south florida is an amazing school. the academics and campus are both well rounded and thought out. go bulls!

Anonymous

02/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

the usf campus is very safe, there is there personal police force on campus, as well as a program called safe team that have people pick you up and drop you off at different locations throughout the campus at night so you don't have to walk alone.

Greek Life

many students try out greek life because it's a great oppertunity to get involved. greek hosts many events, but it's not a huge part of usf like other universities.

Clubs and Activities

there's hundreds of clubs and activities throughout the campus that it's nearly impossible to not find something to get involved with.

What to do for fun

there is so many activities advertised all throughout the campus so everyone can get involved. there is always fun classes at the gym or in the marshall student center. also the school is located right in tampa, so your very close to many businesses, malls, clubs, bars, and restaraunts.

Food and Dining

the dining halls have a wide variety of food, so everyone will be able to get something, and there not too crowded. after eating there everyday though, by the end of the semester most kids get tired of that type of food.

Dorm Life

the dorm life isn't crazy as seen on television but it is an awesome experience. it's a great way to get involved and meet people, as cliche as it may sound. most people are nervous so it's a bit easier to make friends because everyone is going through the same experiences as you.

Academic Rigor

the course work isn't too challenging, so it gives you time to help better understand what your learning and be able to really apply it.

Tips for prospective students

my tips for any prospective students is too talk to a counselor and just see what the school has to offer. if you will be a freshman i recommend to live on campus to get the full college experience first semester.

In three sentences

usf is a great campus, with a really diverse group of students and a unique teaching staff. most professors want you to succeed by at usf they prove it to you, by their extra attention and unique coursework they involve you in to prepare you for your future.

Megan from Saint Petersburg, FL

02/17/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

we have what is called the safe team. if you have to walk alone or with one other person by yourselves late at night, you can call safe team to transport you from one place on campus to another. there are also emergency blue lights that you can push in an emergency.

Bang for the buck

you might pay a decent amount to go here, but because of this you get a free gym with up-to-date machines, free health services when you're sick (regardless of whether you have insurance). for those without insurance, they also have physicals and medical exams for various affordable prices.

What to do for fun

join an organization. they have fun dance clubs. you can also go to the gym (some people consider this fun, while others think of it as torture). every so often, they will have movies on the lawn on wednesdays. this is generally where they show a free movie outside, usually a new release. they also tend to have snacks, like popcorn, pizza, and soda. the school also has swimming pools, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

Food and Dining

the dining halls offer just about every type of food. there is always a type of meat, whether it be chicken, pork, turkey, etc. (they also have vegetarian and gluten-free foods). they always have pizza and fries, and a variety of fruits and salad available. it might not be luxury, but you can always find something to eat. if you don't like anything they already have made, they also can make sandwiches for you, or you can make waffles (one of my favorites).

Dorm Life

the quality of your dorm will depend on where you live, but regardless of which dorm you live in you will often have floor meetings. this gives everyone the opportunity to get to know each other. if you get to know your roommate(s), dorm life should be pretty nice; even if you aren't similar or don't become the best of friends, just learn to tolerate each other at least (you're adults, it shouldn't be too difficult).

Academic Rigor

there is a wide selection of courses. some courses can be difficult, but most teachers are willing to help you during their dedicated office hours, and there are also very helpful tutors in the library.

Tips for prospective students

try not to go home every weekend in the beginning (if you live on campus). it is easier to connect with others and to make friends if you're physically on campus with them. socialize with others, it is helpful when you need a study buddy....or even a dining buddy! attend classes unless it is absolutely necessary (like, if you're sick); your grade tends to reflect your dedication to the course.

In three sentences

the university of south florida has many academic options, whether your focus be in mathematics, the sciences, the humanities, or something else. the campus also offers various organizations for students to take part it, such as habitat for humanity, project downtown, and even cooking and dance clubs. did i mention we have a beautiful campus?

Elizabeth from Fort Myers, FL

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Food and Dining

i love that students get a meal plan that suits their needs. you can use your card at almost any place to eat on campus.

Dorm Life

the dorms at usf are vary by building, so students have a few choices to pick from that will suit their needs best. i've seen both the suite-style dorms and the freshman dorms in beta hall. while the suites include four beds and private bathroom, the dorms in beta have only two beds and the bathrooms are shared by the whole floor.

Academic Rigor

although i'm not currently taking classes, from what i've heard the classes are challenging, but not too bad. some dorms are even based on major, so that you can easily study with students that have the same work you do. tutoring is offered on certain floors, so if you ever need help it's right there for you.

Tips for prospective students

become involved! that's the fastest way to making friends, without a doubt. i recommend that you have a roommate in your freshman year, because that will also open up countless doors, and you'll meet even more people!

In three sentences

usf seems like an overall great school to go to. even though the campus is huge, everything feels close and connected. it's super easy to become involved and make friends, and it's located in a great city that's full of other college kids.

Amber from Daytona, FL

02/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

there are a variety of clubs on campus that fit pretty much anyone's interest. there is a mustache appreciation club. there is a quidditch team. there are clubs for poetry, music, dancing, anything you can think of. if there isn't a club that fits your interest then you can start one.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

in mlk plaza, which is like a big field, there is a huge, maple or oak, tree. it's so large that its branches actually lean over and touch the ground. people sit in the tree and study under it.

Food and Dining

depending on the dining hall the food is a hit or miss. one of the best dining halls is champion's choice. it just opened last year and the food is always great. they serve healthy food choices but it's still delicious.

Dorm Life

living in campus is exciting. everything is conveniently located. the dining halls are close and the gym is down the street. if there was ever a problem with a roommate, an ra (resident assistant) is always available. a few of the dorms were built recently and the rest were built in the 70's. so if you could avoid them, that would be best.

Academic Rigor

the difficulty in classes increases as you go further in your schooling. so be prepared to study hard and spend a lot of time at the library which is open 24/5.

Tips for prospective students

be open to everything! there are so many events on-campus that cover a variety of interests, there's no way you can't get involved, plus there's usually free food. go to class. you're paying money, even if it's not your own, to not only learn from your professors, but for on-campus resources like tutoring, health services, and the gym. everyone is friendly and helpful, so don't be shy. put yourself out there and make new friends.

Bryona from Port Richey, FL

03/03/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

very secure! there is a safe team at night that will give you a ride back to your car, or dorm. there is a phone service you can call, you let them know how long it will take for you to be back at your dorm or car, if you do not call in that time period they will come looking for you. there are also blue lights around campus, if you are in an emergency press it and campus police will be right there.

the mlk memorial is an awesome place to study. there are also little pavilions around campus that are relaxing.

What to do for fun

there is so much to do here, there are movies on the quad. also there are bulls night out which you go out and do things or stay on campus. campus has even thrown a few parties which have been fun. never can be bored here.

Food and Dining

dinning halls always have the same food everyday. only time it is really good food is when its parents day or parents will be here.

Dorm Life

dorm life is not that great. we get kicked out during winter break or you have to pay close to $900.00 to stay for a month. some people have no option to go home and are forced to stay here. that should be included with out tuition and board.

Academic Rigor

the classes that i am required to take are amazing! they get hard but there are tutors that will help you, which are really good and very helpful.

Tips for prospective students

do not take the helpful freshman classes,ie. university experience, they are a waste of money. go to every class and take notes they will help you in the long run!

In three sentences

usf is an amazing college! it has all the resources that i need to graduate! they have a great psychology program.

Alexandria from Temple Terrace, FL

usf works very hard to keep everyone safe. options for text message and email alerts are available for notifications of an emergency.

What to do for fun

i enjoy the group fitness classes, sporting events are also very exciting and amp up your school spirit. joining clubs will keep you busy and help you meet people. even just taking a walk across campus can become an adventure!

Food and Dining

the food options are pretty decent, although eating on campus everyday can get expensive.

Dorm Life

i never lived in the dorms. from what i hear it all depends on which dorm you pick.

Tips for prospective students

get involved right away and don't be shy about talking to people in your classes. the more friends you make and people you meet, the easier the transition is.

In three sentences

usf is loads of fun! there are several options for involvement. i would recommend it to anyone!

Brittany from Tampa, FL

03/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

USF has emergency poles stationed around campus in case you need to alert the police, who have their own station on campus. There is also a system called Safe Team where students can call for a ride to or from their dorm, the library, or anywhere on campus after dark; employees can pick up you and a friend on a golf cart and deliver you to your destination in no time.

What to do for fun

There are always events going on around campus, and during the first few weeks of every semester there are fraternities and clubs advertising what they have to offer you. Personally, I attend weekly PRIDE meetings and we learn about LGBT history as well as playing fun games to get to know each other better. Most clubs are not strict about attendance so they shouldn't add pressure to your schedule.

Food and Dining

Champion's Choice is definitely my favorite of the four dining halls on campus. Located next to the rec center, this hall offers healthy but delicious meals, all you can eat. The food court isn't too shabby either, as long as you remember to limit yourself.

Dorm Life

I did not get lucky with the roommate situation, but I live in a suite with 7 other girls and most of them are pretty friendly. My best friend has a similar set-up in Epsilon and we both love all of his roommates, and I could apply for a room change if I wanted. I live in the oldest dorms and they aren't very pleasant, but they are the cheapest; if it's too rough for you, there are plenty of other on-campus options!

Academic Rigor

I have friends who attend the University of Florida and it seems they are having more trouble than I am. What's important to me is that USF is an accredited school, I feel like I'm genuinely learning material I will need in my career, and I am able to maintain a social life and a 3.5 GPA without feeling too overwhelmed.

Tips for prospective students

Aim for A's and don't be ashamed to go to tutoring; it can be difficult to learn in a lecture hall because the teaching style is less personal. , Tutoring got me a 93% on my last Engineering Calculus (MAC2281) test! The class average was 61%!

In three sentences

I am a campus resident and there are so many resources available to students. I take advantage of a free $2.50 per day for printing and free tutoring in the library. There are plenty of social activities and clubs operating every week to remind me to relax and have some fun.

Sarah from Sanford, FL

03/17/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are blue lights around campus, as well as safe team an escort service that can be called after dark to take you anywhere on campus, there is also an app that you can pay for on your phone that allows you to text when your going somewhere and when you should get there if they don't hear from you they'll check in with you to make sure your safe

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Do not step on the seal in the Marshall Student Center or rumor has it that you will stay forever.

What to do for fun

Every weekend there is a bulls night out some times a party some times a movie just some random get together for the students. Also most Wednesdays there is a movie on the lawn. In addition to that there are tons of clubs, weekend outings to go canoeing, free exercise classes, ect.

Food and Dining

The food is so so but there is always at least one vegetarian option and all dining halls have a salad bar so its easy to eat healthy.

Dorm Life

Staying on campus is great there is always something going on and its nice to get out of the realm of parents rules. The older buildings were built in the 50s and the newer buildings aren't even a decade old. The newer buildings have nicer facilities but the older buildings have more built ins

Academic Rigor

Provided you steer clear of chemistry I'd say the classes are pretty average in how difficult they are though the university does encourage students to take at least 15 credit hours which is a lot of class work for the average college but everybody in my dorm suite seems to think its manageable.

Tamitha from Bonita Springs, FL

03/29/2012

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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What to do for fun

The school is just minutes away from Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. Also, you can hop on 275 and be in Ybor City within 15-20 minutes to hit the good clubs. You CAN'T miss Guavaween around Halloween.

Food and Dining

Being in the heart of North Tampa, there are plenty of places to eat if you don't feel like eating on campus. The campus food isn't that bad either.

Dorm Life

The dorms are nice, for college dorms. lol Florida requires that all first year students live on campus, so be prepared for that. Other than that, it's pretty good.

Academic Rigor

If you are driven, then you can definitely find your niche here. USF is a very good school. Like any other university, if you slack off, then you're not going to succeed, but if you apply yourself, then you will do well.

Tips for prospective students

Go on the campus tour first. It is a very large school, so it can seem very daunting at first.

In three sentences

This is a beautiful campus. They have several colleges onsite and many opportunities. Also, the Moffitt Cancer Center is there, which provides for a wonderful learning opportunity by itself.

Susana from Lutz, FL

Go to campus events (Bulls Night out, Movies on the Laws). There is always free food the first couple of weeks! It is great!

Food and Dining

Slowly getting better but it is still pretty good.

Dorm Life

Great! Many events, it is awesome!

Academic Rigor

This will depend on your major but it is a university that expects a lot from its students.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved both in social groups and the academics.

In three sentences

It is a great university that has provided me with many opportunities to grow. The Honors College's curriculum challenged me to excel academically. The professors are caring and you're not just another number.

Did I not already mention they have a Quidditch team?! Living in college central in Tampa means never having a dull moment. There are concerts, theme parks, football games, hundreds of school activities, and more. The only trouble is when one has to stop partying and start studying.

Food and Dining

There are a ridiculous number of places to eat both on campus and off. I believe there are at least two Starbucks cafes on campus, with one confidently in the library. There are a number of great restaurants in the student center, a Burger King on campus, and a number of mom-and-pop restaurants and cafes in the surrounding off-campus area.

Dorm Life

I have not personally lived in the dorms, but friends of mine have lived comfortably and gotten along well enough.

Academic Rigor

Academic rigor definitely depends on the professor. Upper-level coursework will require excellent reading and studying skills but that is not uncalled for considering the institution.

Tips for prospective students

I recommend that new students find out as much as possible about programs they are interested in pursuing so they have application deadlines and processes down long before the last minute. Though tours are offered at orientation, I would also recommend scheduling another tour if possible to get a better feel for the campus. The main campus is quite large, so driving around might be a good idea to better navigation before the crunch time of the first day of class. Definitely explore the Marshall Center as well. There are so many nooks and crannies excellent for study breaks and plenty of activities going on.

In three sentences

The University has a beautiful campus, a variety of majors for every interest, and a keen understanding on what is important in education. Students can pick from hundreds of campus activities, ranging from a Kettlebell Club to a high-ranking Quidditch team, in order to feel even more involved with campus life. University isn't just about studies at USF, but rather about exploring the world while life is at its peak of curiosity.

Chelsea from Fort Myers, FL

Go to the events. Go to Bulls Night Out, Movies on the Lawn, and find student organizations that sound interesting. Hang out at MSC, there's always something going on there.

Food and Dining

The dining halls don't have the best food, but luckily there are plenty of fast food chains on campus. Don't use your dining dollars too quickly though.

Dorm Life

I personally hated living in the dorms. I thought they were noisy, obnoxious, and had bad air quality.

Academic Rigor

The classes really aren't that hard as long as you cater to your own personal academic needs. Don't sign up for a class that sounds boring, or too difficult, but also don't try to breeze by. You determine your grades.

Tips for prospective students

Go to as many events as you can! Don't stay in your dorm because you don't want to be extroverted. Everyone in college is weird, embrace it.

In three sentences

USF is a fairly large campus, but it's small enough that you can walk just about anywhere in no more than 20 minutes. As an English major, I have to say that all of the English professors are fantastic, but I do recommend Ratemyprofessor.com before signing up for classes. USF provides a lot of activities, so get involved and enjoy yourself!

Carol

Take part in all that the university has to offer you. There are a great number of different organizations on campus that you can get involved in.

In three sentences

It is a huge campus, but it offers a variety of resources that the student body can utilize during their undergraduate and graduate careers. There is definitely a lot of school spirit on campus, I highly suggest attending a football or any other athletic events. GO BULLS!

Heather from New Port Richey, FL

05/07/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

We have a safe team that rides around at night and picks up anyone who doesn't feel comfortable walking around campus alone in the dark. Also many Emergency lights, and a system that warns us via text message of any dangers on campus.

Greek Life

I'm not involved in sorority life so I am unbiased about this section.

Clubs and Activities

Many clubs are available to join, and are very easy to access. Also, the professors that are in charge of the clubs take pride in the organizations and help out a great deal. The school is very involved in the community.

Great for these types of students

Very good for independent students looking to become involved in research or any type of medical career. There are many opportunities to do Undergraduate and graduate research; however, this increases our cost of tuition.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The only unusual things I would say is that we have a Bull Stamp on the floor in the Marshall center that if you step on, you are considered to have bad luck... seems strange to me.

Bang for the buck

The school is very pricey and tuition keeps raising because of additional research and desire to expand for the university. The school isn't all it's made out to be, but it is a nice campus-very clean and up-kept.

What to do for fun

There are many organizations and evens that happen on and off campus on a regular basis. Bull's night out happens on the weekends and involves any students and their friends wanting to join. It is a great opportunity to meet people and socialize with other Bull students. Also, many organizations have events on a regular basis, many meetings are open to anyone wanting to become involved. The student government provides many opportunities for events around campus.

Food and Dining

There is a great variety of places to eat, and even the student cafe's are usually good food. There are three main cafeteria's and many places to eat around campus. With 2 Starbuck's, Beef's, 2 Subways, Chick-Fil-A, a smoothie place, and Moe's, your are bound to find something to quench your hunger any day!

Dorm Life

I'm unable to rate this since I have never lived on campus. From what I hear, there is a lot to do at night and on weekends and the students who live on campus usually have few complaints about the dorm life.

Academic Rigor

The class size makes the learning environment tough. The material isn't any more difficult than anywhere else, but the facility of learning is not excellent. Be ready to Study!

Tips for prospective students

If you are not good at self learning, choose an institution that is smaller. Also, seek opportunities for others to help you, resources are available, but sometimes hard to find. Use other students and TA's to help you when you need it. Get used to group and self study, and find friends to help you choose professors along the way.

In three sentences

The school is decent; however, the class sizes are too large. The professors should be available more to students, not only TA's. Overall, a good school with a lot of research opportunity, but not a good environment for students who like professor involvement.

Shelby from Melbourne, FL

05/09/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

USF is blue-tower certified, which means that within 500 meters there is a blue tower that someone can use to call local security. Once called the security is timed at arriving no later than 30 seconds. The university even has its own police force, who took 2nd nationally in the shooting competition. :) A taxi program allows students to call/text for a ride if they feel uncomfortable walking or because they've been drinking and it is absolutely free.

Clubs and Activities

Everything from 100 honor societies, to 100 Greek fraternities and sororities, to a sky-diving and a crew club. There is a Japanese language honor society that rewards students for doing great in the class. These clubs often hold fundraising events that include canoeing on a river to getting certified in scuba diving.

Great for these types of students

It's truly great for everyone, because the university cultivates the all-around leader. A lot of science majors come here for the research opportunities, but the liberal connections, especially in the study-abroad category are amazing. Business majors are catered to with thousands of programs and internship offers.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Hm, not quite sure about any other thing except for the seal in the Student Services Building. It is said that anyone who steps on the seal means that they won't ever graduate. It created such a stir in passion that SGA closed off the seal with ropes so that no poor soul would venture upon it.

Bang for the buck

USF is a state-school, but it gives awesome scholarship packages that usually only private schools can give. They are bursting from the seams with opportunities that stem from internship and alumni connections, scholarship precedence, and research offers (for every major, even business!). It is a university that wants their students to get every opportunity they can, because this means they're making better and well-rounded students that reflect upon their own institution.

What to do for fun

On campus there are activities going on every day and night. In the apartments there might be parties or a club might plan a midnight canoeing trip in the river right on campus, and since USF is in Tampa, there is no such thing as nothing to do. Festivals are frequent, along with touring shows. Jack is not a dull boy here.

Food and Dining

Food here is classy but also affordable. There are a lot of dining centers that are university owned along with restaurants such as Subway and Boars Head right around the corner on campus. The major freshman/sophomore dorm has a dining center right inside with a variety from pizza, to salads, to Chinese food, and to smoothies. One dining center is dedicated specifically to using low-fat, whole foods and is adjacent to the awesome recreational center.

Dorm Life

What's interesting about the University of South Florida is that they have community centers which allow students to room with others in similar majors and interests. This means that people on the same floor can take classes together, have study parties, and become closer through these associations. Most of the dorms have it where each floor is co-ed, rather than one floor girl, the other boy.

Academic Rigor

Academics are of the utmost importance to the University of South Florida, but it is not an university that makes it too difficult to understand and take the knowledge gained to the professional level. They focus on how to make connections with the basics and that's what matters 10 years down the road. Most lectures that are not needed for credit are free to attend as well, allowing for a diverse academic picture.

Tips for prospective students

The University of South Florida aims to be competitive on a state and nationwide basis and so they are consistently opening and looking to develop new programs, establish connections with 3rd party companies, and entering partnerships with organizations that have competition based proponents. Basically this translates to the students as opportunities, opportunities, opportunities. Don't be afraid to get involved, definitely enter the Honors College and any clubs associated with your major and interests, they all have great connections.

In three sentences

This university encases exactly what Florida is, varied, warm, compassionate, and receptive. It provides an invested juxtaposition of academics and intercollegiate activities. Opportunities are nurtured and grown here to cultivate the next leader.

Anita from Saint Petersburg, FL

05/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

USF PD, Safe Team services and many other security features are in place. I always feel safe.

Greek Life

As a member of greek life, these organizations are huge on campus and great to develop leadership roles and qualities. We have a large Panhellenic, InterFraternal, NPHC (all of the divine 9) and UGC featuring 14 different multicultural sororities and fraternities.

Clubs and Activities

We have tons of student organizations ranging from the chess club to the engineering society, to sailing! There is definitely multiple organizations for everyone.

Bang for the buck

Tuition costs are always rising, however there are lots of scholarship opportunities to help with this.

What to do for fun

We are located in Tampa with theme parks literally right across the street from campus! Orlando is only about an hour away and the beach about 30 minutes!

Food and Dining

We have multiple dining halls and places to choose from!

Dorm Life

After living in the dorms for about a year and half I met many new people and friends. Campus is always beautiful and great for long walks.

Academic Rigor

Classes can be difficult, especially for science majors. Classes are taught by some of the most innovative researchers around, and they often hold their students to a very high level.

Tips for prospective students

Know exactly what you want to major in! If you are not passionate about your major you will change it. Every program, and professors are looking for dedicated and hardworking individuals.

In three sentences

USF Tampa is an emerging powerhouse in the realm of science, technology and innovation. With over $300 million dollars in grants annually, the research being done at this University is making a name for itself here in the US as well as around the world. Attending USF is a great choice for those who are interested in being on the cuttng edge and cultivating research opportunities for themselves that are unparalleled here in Florida.

Christin from Tampa, FL

Greek life is decent. USF isn't huge on greek so there are limited number of fraternities and sororities, but those who join seem to have a good time.

Clubs and Activities

There are hundreds of organizations to join and make friends!

What to do for fun

You can go to the beach, mall, or parties. For night life, Bull's Clubs close to campus is the hot spot. Clubs in Ybor are fun too.

Food and Dining

The dining all over campus is pretty good. There are a lot of choices, but my favorite would be Champion's Choice (a healthier alternative to normal dining halls).

Dorm Life

The dorms are average, some better than others. I lived in Juniper-Poplar doors, the newest ones and loved it! All of the dorms have a common area which makes it easy to make friends and meet people.

Academic Rigor

I'm an engineering major and it's pretty challenging, but no overbearing. A lot of other majors seem to be having a decent time, USF academics aren't impossible.

Tips for prospective students

If you're looking for the full college experience this isn't the place to be. The location of the campus in Tampa, isn't a college town. There are a lot of commuters, so during the weekend is can get pretty dead.

In three sentences

USF is a great school for those wanting a good education, new friends, and a great time. The school does a lot to get students to get involved, considering it is a newer school. The campus is beautiful and easy to navigate.

Liyana from Lake Oswego, OR

05/12/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Various clubs, activities and events going on every night, both at the Marshall Student Center and at the rec (for those more athletic people). There's also movies on the lawn every Wednesday plays new releases every week.

Food and Dining

Buffet style dining as well as subway/burger king/chick-fil-a etc. on campus.

Dorm Life

Most of the dorms here are not very nice... in fact they look like jail cells, but the new Juniper-Poplar building for business/honors/INTO students is like an upscale hotel. Hopefully USF means to make more dorms like that.

Academic Rigor

The professors don't joke! They really take their classes seriously - there's no BS here!

Tips for prospective students

Since this school is new and still expanding, students that are not afraid of constant change would be the best for adapting to this type of environment. I believe that though this school is not well known for it's academic rigor, but come another decade or two, it will definitely be up there with the better known schools.

In three sentences

The campus is clean and easy to navigate. Since it is a relatively new campus, we constantly have new buildings added to the campus - constantly expanding. I also have good experiences with the students and faculty.

Brenda from Pahokee, FL

05/14/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

USF provides great campus safety for its students. University police are always available and are there to help in any emergency. Also, emergency notifications are provided through texts to a student's phone who signs up for them. They make students aware of places to stay away from or what to do if something is going on in the university or near it. Also, they have many blue posts around the dorms that have a button that alerts the police if it is pressed, it's a great device and the campus is very safe for all students at all times.

Greek Life

Greek Life is very exciting at USF. The students are always having spectacular performances and making changes in the communities around them. I had so much fun at the Strolling of the Bulls event that is hosted by a fraternity each year, it was truly unforgettable and I can't wait for the next one. There are many sororities and fraternities to choose from!

Clubs and Activities

There are over 500 organizations at USF, so many activities are available and everyone is so welcoming. You can definitely find an organization that fits you when you leave your dorm with an open mind.

Great for these types of students

USF is great for all types of students!! There is a lot of diversity at the university so you will never be alone. Whether you're a bookworm or a workaholic who likes to also party, USF is a great choice.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One of the traditions of the University of South Florida is taking pictures on the bulls in front of the Marshall Student Center. Many take them by night but the bold aren't afraid to do it by day!!

Bang for the buck

USF is truly a great place to learn. The location is beautiful, you can even see Busch Gardens right from the USF library, so having fun is easy to do in or around campus. So many helpful resources are available to help students pass classes, there really isn't an excuse to fail.

What to do for fun

To have more fun, students should join any organizations that interest them. They get to meet great people and establish great friendships by taking part in socials and accomplishing the goals of the organization.

Food and Dining

The food is great, there are multiple dining halls to choose from so you never get bored. Eating the same things over and over is definitely a person's choice at USF, there is so much to try!

Dorm Life

The dorm life is spectacular, you get to interact with people on your floor and social network easily. The Resident Assistants are always really helpful and kind. Many activities are set up by the dorm buildings to get students interacting more and more all while having fun.

Academic Rigor

It's a lot of work, no doubt. There is a lot of effort to be put into getting a good grade in classes but nonetheless is very easy to do when you apply yourself. USF offers a variety of ways to help students with classes, there's tutors always available as well as a writing center and students always can form study groups to pass with the help of encouraging peers! Not to mention the USF library, which has a perfect atmosphere for quiet studying.

Tips for prospective students

Incoming students should apply for a lot of scholarships because there are so many available. Also, rate my professor is a great tool to use and books needed should be bought at Bookholders, Gray's College Bookstore or online to find the cheapest prices. I also recommend to really get involved with the university with organizations and other programs.

In three sentences

I give this university a 10/10! It's a great place to complete an education. It has great professors and a great setting, students never seem to get bored at all.

Crystal from Palm City, FL

05/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There is a mobile-alert system that texts and emails you when the campus police have something serious that they've been alerted to. There is a Blue Light network of alarm panic button type of phones that dot the campus; if you're in trouble, you push the button that immidietly alerts the security AND the campus PD to that location. From one blue light, you can see the next one just down the side walk; they are not spread very far apart. From 7pm to 3pm, golf carts driven by certified students run around the campus to carry students from one location to another. While it's also very convenient, it serves to keep students from having to walk across campus alone at night. The campus itself is very secure and safe; I've never felt threatened here.

Great for these types of students

This campus is great for the student that wants to learn but still have a rock-out awesome time while they're at it. It is definitely not a party school, but there is never a dull moment when on campus!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Humans versus Zombies is a staple of the campus in October for Halloween. It's a week long, campus-wide, game of tag essentially. It happens once every semester and is one of the most fun events I've ever participated in/watched!

Bang for the buck

The tuition is rising, yes, but the school is doing its best to combat this. We just lost our Poly-tech Sarasota campus, so the money that it brought in is now gone from USF. To compensate, tuition is being raised a percentage and some budget cuts are being made. All in all, however, the experience and classes are wholesome and carry-through from what is paid for them. AND there are plenty of scholarships offered for every walk of life by the university itself.

What to do for fun

Right across the street is Busch Gardens, who comonly has discounts for USF students. Just a 20 minute drive south, and you are in Ybor and downtown Tampa Bay with plenty of classy, party and/or affordable restaurants, cafes, parks, shopping centers, and local attractions (aquarium, war ship, pirate ship, cruises). While the nearest beaches (Clearwater) are about an hour and 20 minute drive away, it is still a great weekend getaway. Aside from the offcampus recreation, the school ALWAYS has something going on for students to attend and have fun and get free stuff from. Expect to always be entertained here!

Food and Dining

If you live on campus, the Unlimited Meal Plan is strongly suggested. The dining halls are very commonly visited and the food is decent/palatable. The halls are usually pretty clean for the mass amount of people that move through and eat in them.

Dorm Life

The dorms all depend on where you stay and who your RA is. My freshman dorm was loud and crazy, which I didn't like, but that was because my RA was not there very often. However, my next semester was AWESOME; great kids, great RA, great living arrangements. And if something comes up that the RA can't handle, there are other offices that step in when called on to fix the situation.

Academic Rigor

The classes are consistent with whatever level you sign up for (1000 to 4000). Even if the course material is difficult, the professors are VERY accessible, as well as are the free tutor services and learning centers.

Tips for prospective students

Don't let the large size of the campus scare you. Once you get the basics of where some buildings are, it actually is very navigable. I'm so happy on this campus because everything I could possibly need is just a few minutes walk down the sidewalk, or a very short drive across the street.

In three sentences

The campus is beautiful and the students/faculty/staff are surprisingly well acquainted. It's a big campus but it's still growing; everything you need is right there. The university is constantly bringing in outside resources to help the student body get out into the big-time workforce.

Alexandra from Riverview, FL

05/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

University of South Florida has a very large forestry trail that students are able to taken bike rides in on campus. As well, for educational purposes, there is also the MOSI museum right next door to the campus where you're able to watch IMAX moves in the big screened dome they have. For nightlife purposes, most of the clubs in Tampa are 18 and over since it's such a college city. This allows those who are younger than 21 to have something to do with those that are older.

Food and Dining

They have many different options on campus, as well as within the area that the campus is located. There are many bars around and ale houses where you would be able to enjoy a college game on the television while eating some delicious wings.

Dorm Life

I am a commuter student, but I have seen how the students that live on campus enjoy the extracurricular activities that USF provides them. Bulls Night Out is enjoyable and have allowed students that have moved from a different city to Tampa to network.

Academic Rigor

You only do as much as you put in. I receive good grades because I study almost ever night that I can and usually ask for the help that I need from my professors.

Tips for prospective students

Try to get as much scholarships as you can. Universities are not cheap, and all four years do accumulate and in the end you'd like to save those loans for graduate school.

In three sentences

I'd rate the University of South Florida a 8 out of 10. The professors have a vast knowledge on what subject they're teaching. The only thing is the parking costing an arm and a leg to purchase every semester.

Jessica from Plant City, FL

05/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The security is amazing, if you take advantage of it. If you ever feel unsafe, you need only call campus security and they'll walk you to your car or class. There are several emergency poles across the school. Also, if you can't remember where exactly you parked your car (like me on my first day) a very nice security officer will help you find it!

Clubs and Activities

If you can think it up, they probably have a club for it. And, if they don't, it's pretty easy to get one started!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Geeks at USF: unite! Some of USF's more awesome activities include LARPing and Quidditch!

What to do for fun

There are many different options for clubs and organizations you can get involved in. Basically, if you can think it up, they've got a club for it.

Food and Dining

There is a very wide selection of place to eat at on campus. In the Marshall Center alone, there is a Moe's, Subway, Chick-fil-A, Jamba Juice, and more! There are plenty of other restaurants and cafeterias around campus as well. And, one of the best enticements, there are several Starbucks!

Academic Rigor

Just like with every other college, the difficulty of the class is going to depend on the professor and the class. My classes so far have been difficult but totally worth it!

Tips for prospective students

Apply for scholarships and grants! If you qualify, apply! I cannot stress this enough. Get involved! One of my regrets this semester, is that I never joined a club or got involved with a school activity. Make use of the amenities! They've got a full gym and with your USF ID, you can get into other USF campuses and make use of their amenities as well.

In three sentences

USF is a beautiful campus! It has plenty of amenities for current and past students such as a full gym and career help. The classes are are varied and the instructors are wonderful! One downside to the school is that books and tuition can be pretty high and there is an extra per-credit-hour fee for online courses.

Danielle from Lakeland, FL

USF has lots of campus security and also has a text service for updates anytime there is any security risks on campus.

Clubs and Activities

There are lots of clubs and activities.

Bang for the buck

USF is average priced for tuition

Food and Dining

Great restaurants and dinner theaters throughout the Tampa area from high dollar to those for us that are on a tight budget.

Dorm Life

I never lived on campus

Academic Rigor

I feel very prepared after completing my Bachelors in Nursing. The online classes were very easy to navigate and kept you on track while still allowing for flexibility to work at your own pace. The classes on campus were not too large and the professors always had availability for questions and help sessions.

Tips for prospective students

Parking can be difficult but the college has a bus that picks up from distant paring lots. The admission process can be somewhat tedious but once admitted it is smooth sailing.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is a great school in Tampa, Florida, it is close to the beaches and has other great entertainment. I attended here for my BSN and am now returning to complete my masters degree. Everyone is very helpful, courteous, and focused on helping you succeed.

Cynthia from Tampa, FL

We have cops everywhere and there is an hotline to call if you need a drive and its late or you've had too much to drink and its affordable.

Greek Life

We have over 50 fratenities and sororities.

Clubs and Activities

Whatever you can think of we have a club for it. We have a rowing club, diving club, and an organic food club just to name a few unique ones.

Great for these types of students

There is something for everyone at USF.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Marshall student center by Einstein Bagels is were my friends and I gather most times before or after class, or outside Cooper Hall by the picnic tables under the big oak trees.

Bang for the buck

USF Students get a discount if you show your student id to most places in Tampa. You get to go to games for free with your usf id.

What to do for fun

We have tons of student organizations, such as student government, fratenities, and sororities, ethnic clubs of almost every race. We have events hosted by these different organizations. We have game clubs, sports clubs not to mention our awesome football, basketball, baseball and track team. We also have pageants and homecoming queen and king. Plus there is always something going on campus, whether its bulls market were people sell things or a rally going on there is always something fun and interesting taking place.

Food and Dining

The food on campus is awesome. Everyone is prone to the freshman 15. There is Chick-fil-a, Burger King, Starbucks, Sabarro, Moe's Subway, Boar's Head, all you can eat buffets, Beef O Brady's, and other resturants on campus.

Dorm Life

Dorms are pretty okay. The residence advisors are pretty cool for the most part. But there are rules you have to follow.

Academic Rigor

There is no such thing as an easy class. Classes that you think are easy may just be that easy, if you do the work, if not then its very difficult. we only have two grade forgiveness and only two withdrawal, so you have to work hard.

Tips for prospective students

For recent high school graduates, be ready to do the work. Make sure you can prioritize your time and get help with time managment. Don't be afraid of the size of the school and get involved. Don't get lost among the thousands of students on campus. For the transfers, take as many credits as you can tollerate so you don't feel overwhelmed. Also learn how to time manage, because four year universities requires a lot more energy and effort than two year universities. Lastly get involved as well you wouldn't regret it.

In three sentences

I would rate the University of South Florida Tampa campus a 7. One because tuition is quite expensive. The professors are very knowledgeable in their individual subjects, and are pretty understanding and accomodating within reason. USF is not only known for its awesome student life and oraganizations, but we are also a college full of diversity ranging from its students, professors and faculty members. We are advance in cancer research with Moffit cancer research center and leading in research for Alzheimers disease.

Ravina from Wesley Chapel, FL

For fun the campus is posted with many events whether it be in theater or a cultural event on campus. There are many volunteer opportunities posted as well.

Food and Dining

The food and dining on campus is great! The Marshall Center is set up for students to eat and to study at the same time. It is a great canteen with fresh healthy foods.

Dorm Life

I have not been able to experience the dorm life but from what I hear it is a great way to learn responsibility.

Academic Rigor

Sometimes studying for an exam may be very overwhelming and it is usually the more difficult part of college but it really helps to seek guidance and support.

Tips for prospective students

For prospective student I would say do not be afraid to seek help when needed. You will later regret it.

In three sentences

University of South Florida is a great school. I love how it encourages students to be more involved with event on campus. It also provides a variety of majors which is great for other students who have not decided.

Adam

05/21/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Relatively safe, just don't be dumb. They have police on campus, always. Those blue emergency lights are always in sight. Safe Team (free golf cart taxi service anywhere on campus) is nearly always available.

Greek Life

Greek life is good. Very strict no hazing policy, so there's no BS.

Clubs and Activities

Plenty of Greek options and clubs. A lot of diversity.

Great for these types of students

Everyone, really, can find USF enjoyable. It is best for people looking to go into medicine, nursing, music, and teaching. Also, great for commuters.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I am partial to the MLK Memorial. I love the football games at Raymond James Stadium. I also love the pond between Juniper Poplar and FAH.

Bang for the buck

Great education for cheap. A degree from USF is nothing to scoff at.

What to do for fun

Plenty of things to do off campus in Ybor, Channelside, and some other Tampa areas. Not really anything on campus during the night or weekends.

Food and Dining

Yuck... Probably the same as anywhere else.

Dorm Life

Not as bad as other State universities in Florida. Contrary to popular belief, dorms are cheaper than off campus apartments. It's the on campus apartments that get pricey.

Academic Rigor

Not the hardest classes until you get further into your major. Go to class and turn off your laptop.

Tips for prospective students

If you're well rounded and have at least a 3.5, you're fine.

In three sentences

USF is what you make of it. There are plenty of niches for everyone, and you can always find somewhere to be and something to do, but only if you look. Like any university, there are plenty of both positive and negative qualities.

Christopher from Land O Lakes, FL

05/24/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Walked this campus a million times. No one has ever given me problems and the security is driving around 24 hours a day. They even have blue lights you can hit and they will send out a siren. Help will be there within 10 seconds. Not even kidding.

What to do for fun

This is going to sound lame. Walk around the campus. Every building is so unique and there are beautiful displays of scenery hidden everywhere. The trees are shining during the day and will calm your nerves at night. Discover this campus and you will never want to leave. I am not kidding. It is gorgeous. There are also tons of events hosted by the University every single week. They call it Bulls-Night-Out and it features campus wide dayglows, musical acts and movies being displayed with giant projectors.

Food and Dining

There are a lot of options to choose from. You have four different buffet style dining halls as well as two subways, three starbucks, a moe's, a pizza place, a few convenient stores filled with things from a smokehouse to sushi. There is something to eat all across campus. This is not an issue at all. If students are hungry, there is food within two minutes.

Dorm Life

All of the dorms are very nice. Some of them are much more basic than others, but, all of them are on par with other universities if not better. Juniper-Poplar makes you feel like you are living in a hotel and is very pristine. Try and get juniper-poplar, Holly or even something in cypress or magnolia. All of those dorms mentioned have semi-private restrooms. Not the entire hall will be using them. Only you or 2 other people.

Academic Rigor

Your first semester will most likely not be too difficult. Don't get too carried away though. Once you start taking your upper level courses such as Organic Chemistry or Intermediate Accounting, things can add up very quickly. Do not get bogged down with too many clubs or out of school activities. Have a few things outside of class and focus on your grades.

Tips for prospective students

As a freshmen if you choose to live in a dorm. Try and live in Juniper-Poplar or the Holly sections. They are both very nice and spacious. Make use of everything that is offered for free. Use the Bull Runner to get safely around campus and make sure to use the free printing that is offered all around campus. If you are going to be commuting go ahead and get the year long parking pass. It is the same price as getting two passes ( one for the fall and one for spring), however, it includes summer parking if for some reason you have to take a class. The writing center in the Library is great for all your literature classes as well!

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is an outstanding campus. It houses a six story library, research facilities, the Moffitt Cancer Center, a four story student center and much more. It is always hosting events to keep students involved with the campus, but, also having some fun in a safe and productive way.

Ryan from Rotonda West, FL

Campus is safe. There are always officers on campus, patrolling the campus ensuring student safety.

What to do for fun

Intramural sports at the campus are very fun and extremely competitive. Also attend the sporting events. Any of the school sports are a fun, easy, and cheap way to have fun.

Food and Dining

I don't always eat on campus, but the food is good. You have many choices. Whether it be from the Juniper-Poplar building or from the health food court, you have many choices for good food.

Dorm Life

I don't live on campus, but I have friends that do. The dorms are very clean and they are cozy. It is what is needed for students to succeed.

Academic Rigor

Classes are tough, you have to study. Get your textbooks, and know how to read and study from them.

Tips for prospective students

Participate in as many activities as you want. Intramural Sports are extremely fun and competitive. And also rent your textbooks.

In three sentences

The campus is wonderful. You are able to participate in many activities outside of classes. But if you're only focusing on school, the staff is helpful and the resources at the school are geared towards your success.

Marissa from Bushnell, FL

06/01/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

Honestly I feel so secure on campus. As with all big cities, it can seem scary, but USF offers many different options to keep you safe like police, emergency towers, and an after hours golf cart shuttle service to take you around at night.

Food and Dining

Amazing food all over campus from Einstein's Bagels to Moe's and 3 Starbucks. The buffets are also filled with all sorts of food to fill any craving.

Dorm Life

The bathrooms are all cleaned regularly, the Juniper-Poplar Hall was just built in 2009, and there are always constant get togethers and fun activities on each floor.

Academic Rigor

I don't start classes until fall, but from what I've heard, for instance, out of all the people that take the Certified Public Accounting Test, the best scores come from students at USF.

Tips for prospective students

APPLY EARLY! Apply early so that you can receive free scholarships from the school without even trying. It's free money, so go for it!

In three sentences

I picked USF as my obvious answer in looking for a college because I loved how new and *Clean* the whole school is, and how it keeps up with modern technology even from the buildings to the curriculum. I also loved the wonderful reputation from USF despite it being established less than 60 years ago. What really sold me on the school was the whole family atmosphere. Just walking around on a campus tour everyone around me was so accepting and inviting and didn't look down upon you, which I've gotten from a few other schools.

Hannah from Cape Haze, FL

06/01/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I have never felt unsafe on USF's campus. There are always security guards outside, there are emergency posts everywhere you look, and there are even options to be escorted back to your dorm or car if you really need it.

Greek Life

I love USF Greek Life! I am a member of a sorority and going Greek was the best decision I made. It is nothing like what you see on TV and in movies. In fact, it's better. USF has had minimal hazing incidents and we are united as a community to ensure a great experience for all involved.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many different organizations on campus, from religious groups to clubs celebrating various cultures, even a Facial Hair Appreciation Club!

What to do for fun

USF is in a great area. Busch Gardens is literally across the street, there are a couple of great malls not too far away, and there are loads of student discounts everywhere. The Campus Activities Board does a great job of making sure there are events going on around campus almost every week, like Movies on the Lawn and Bulls Night Out.

Food and Dining

All college dining halls are going to be disappointing, but there are a lot of other options at USF. The Marshall Student Center has a big food court with Chick-Fil-A, Moe's, Sbarro, and more. There are multiple Starbucks on campus and a Beef o' Brady's, so even if you don't want to eat in the dining hall, there are options.

Dorm Life

I loved living on campus as a freshman. No matter what dorm you're in, you get to experience a community of people who know exactly what you're going through. All of the dorms are pretty decent. I lived in the newest building, but I almost wish I had lived in an older one to get a better sense of community and be more in the middle of campus.

Academic Rigor

Once you get past the general education requirements and into your major, you really start to feel like you're actually doing something. I had an easy first two semesters, but now that I'm in my major course work, I feel like I'm actually learning and getting something out of my education finally.

Tips for prospective students

Try everything! There are so many different organizations on campus, you'll never find your niche of people unless you go out and try different things. If you're looking for a home away from home, USF offers that. Tampa is a great area to go to school and there are so many opportunities on campus that are just waiting to be taken.

In three sentences

USF is a great school for all types of people. There are so many ways to get involved and make USF really feel like home. USF has given me everything I wanted from a college experience and more!

Many parties, lots of night life. It's a very well-rounded college town.

Food and Dining

Mostly good prices and good food.

Dorm Life

Most dorms are clean. There are lots of campus activities and opportunities to make friends.

Academic Rigor

Very easy, classes are not difficult at all. Most professors encourage you to come to their office hours if you need help.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure your major is one the USF specializes in. Don't come here to be a theater/music/art/hospitality/history major.

In three sentences

University of South Florida is a great school. If I were not studying music, I would certainly stay there. They are very accommodating (free printing, many student groups) and have some great programs (medicine, mass communications, etc.)

Tiffany from Tampa, FL

Education does not come cheap and sometimes I wonder were these professors even come from.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of activities at the school and the university is in the middle of a large city. There are shopping malls, theme parks, dining and much more all close by.

Tips for prospective students

For electives take introduction courses to really see what you want your major to be. Speak with your adviser every semester to stay on track. If you receive student loans do no spend the money on things you don't need.

In three sentences

The campus is very large, offers a diverse student population. Has many organizations, groups and activities to participate in. At times, office staff seems unorganized.

James from Medley, FL

06/15/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Food and Dining

As an incoming freshman, the idea of a food plan sounds amazing. This allows an easy access plan that can allow me to stay healthy. I believe there food is excellent. Good enough to keep everybody nourished.

Dorm Life

Recently, i went for a housing tour and explored through the dorms and got a feel of what its going to be like when living there and i can truthfully say its, comforting. Its highly important to feel comfortable and warm in home away from home. At this school, there are so many dorms available to choose from that suit any ones desires. Overall they are nice and tidy.

Academic Rigor

Although i have yet not started any courses at the University of South Florida, i know for a fact that they do not mess around when it comes to academics and the education people receive. I highly doubt its going to be easy, yet again it is all part of life and the process of becoming someone professional.

Tips for prospective students

Stay true to yourself and follow your dreams, this school offers an amazing education that can someday change our lives. Get good grades and always exceed peoples expectations and you will be successful. As everyone starts there journey through college, so will i, but to reach this point it takes responsibility, courage, strength and perseverance.

In three sentences

Amazing vibe, that offers a welcoming comfort that left me feeling extremely excited. Definitely a great school, if it would to be rated from a 1 to 10, most likely my rate would be a 10. Overall its well rounded.

Nicholas from Tampa, FL

06/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are little safety pillars with blue lights every 100 feet or so around campus. If you press the button on them, it connects you directly to the campus's full police force. Also, if you think someone is following you, press each button as you go and keep walking. They can track which way you're going and send someone to intercept you. There is also something called the Safe Team that runs from about 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., I think. Call them if you don't feel comfortable walking somewhere after dark, and they'll send two people on a golf cart to come pick you up and take you anywhere on campus. I've never felt safer at such a large institution.

Greek Life

Great. Not stereotypical at all, and it's just a fun way to make a network of friends. It's also a great way to network for career opportunities after school.

Clubs and Activities

Great. So much to choose from.

Great for these types of students

Great for all types of students. Not a major party campus, but if you're into partying there's always something going on somewhere. Plenty of places to escape if you're a bookworm and don't like noise (library is 24 hrs)

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

When you graduate, the school staff doesn't say anything if you jump on top of the giant brass bulls in the fountain for a picture as long as you're wearing your cap and gown. Or you can just go do it in the middle of the night if you aren't graduating. Oh, and don't step on the giant image of the university seal on the floor of the Marshall Student Center.

Bang for the buck

I believe USF has one of the cheapest tuition and fees programs of the Florida state schools, and you get a great education. They are always offering great things for students to do, and there are many giveaways of different items. They increase tuition every year, but only because they need to. And it is usually is a much smaller percentage increase than our neighboring state institutions.

What to do for fun

Movies on the Lawn is every Wednesday night, I think. They show movies that have either just left theaters or are still in theaters, long before they are released on DVD. There are always fun things happening around the Marshall Student Center. The gym is amazing and free, with a hundred things you can do. There are clubs in the area and great restaurants which can be accessed by taking the Bull Runner (our free bus system).

Food and Dining

The food in the dining halls is good, but after a while you tend to notice that it all has a similar flavor to it. This is what we called Andros Seasoning, because it seemed like all the food in all the dining halls had the same seasoning as all the food in the Andros dining hall. The restaurants in the Marshall center and the few out by Cooper Hall taste just like any other franchises (Moe's, Sbarro, Chick-fil-a, Subway, Burger King, Beef'O'Brady's), so those are always good choices. Just a fun fact: The dining halls where you use the meal plans put a triple-dose of fiber into everything they make in order to promote good health and regularity. Just a warning.

Dorm Life

I had a bad roommate experience, but other than that the dorms are decent; at least the Holly apartment-style ones are, anyway. You get your privacy, but the walls are paper-thin. DO NOT room with a friend from high school. It destroyed my relationship with my best friend since kindergarten. The washing machines aren't that far away, but it would have been nice if they were inside the buildings. The thermostats are very finicky. Move it 1 degree up, it shoots up to 10 degrees warmer. Move it 1 degree down, same reaction in the opposite direction. Maintenance staff is very helpful and friendly.

Academic Rigor

The Biology program is very challenging. They place weed-out classes during your first few semesters, but if you can get through those and study the rest of the way, it should be ok. Every one of my on-campus courses have been challenging, but most have been fun as well.

Tips for prospective students

Check out different social groups, whether it be Greek or any type of club. I thought I would never enjoy the Greek scene, but most of these organizations are nothing like the stereotype. I was never forced to drink, I was never uncomfortable in any way, and it was a great way of make friends. In fact, 4 out of my 5 groomsmen are in my fraternity. Make sure you study, right from the beginning. It's not like high school where you can bs your way through life. I know you hear everyone telling you this, but I promise it's true. I got my first C ever during my first semester of college, and I was surprised I even got that. There is free food on campus at least once a week. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS. Food will be your biggest day-to-day expense if you don't have an insane meal plan.

In three sentences

The student community is very diverse. Most faculty, with the exception of some in the Chemistry department, really care about students and whether or not they succeed. There is an overwhelming sense of pride amongst the student population, and these things make USF a top-rate institution in my book.

Kelly from Rockledge, FL

06/19/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

The University of South Florida has extraordinarily quality dining halls. Champion's Choice, located right next to the gym, provides healthy alternatives to traditional campus dining and all the dining halls offered vegetarian options every day. You will never go hungry at USF!

Dorm Life

The Resident Halls at the University of South Florida are spacious and clean. I lived in the Cypress suites and I really appreciated the fact that my trash was taken out twice a week for me and my bathroom was cleaned once a week. All of the Resident Halls are located in a convenient location and it makes it easy to walk anywhere on campus.

Academic Rigor

The University of South Florida offers its students rigorous classes that help prepare them for their future school or occupation plans. The classes can be intense, but with Teaching Assistants and the tutoring services offered by the library, students have multiple ways to help understand difficult material if they are willing to go the extra mile.

Tips for prospective students

The University of South Florida is a place where prospective students can easily adjust to college life. It's easy to get involved and to find like-minded people to help make USF your new home. There are clubs of every kind and groups that work together to make our school and community a better place. Get involved and find a club that suits your interests, you never know what opportunities you can find at any corner.

In three sentences

Choosing to go to the University of South Florida has been one of the best decisions of my life thus far and it has become a place I can easily call home. The overall environment of the institution, created by the visual appeal of the campus and the incredibly dedicated teaching staff, have made my transition to college smooth and simple. USF has so much to offer prospective and current students that make their college experience unforgettable.

Christopher from Palmetto, FL

USF has one of the safest campuses with multiple Police officers patroling the campus.

Clubs and Activities

You name it they have that club or similar. Too many to name.

Great for these types of students

If you are a serious student and want to find a high paying career USF has many opportunites in multiple majors. If you don't want to come to the campus they even have degrees you can earn online.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

USF has something to do with every idea possible. If you have something you are interested in, the school will have something educational concerning it.

Bang for the buck

USF offers one of the best education experiences in the state of Florida. Students who are state residents have a high priced tuition but better than FSU and UF.

What to do for fun

Everyday on campus there is something going on. Sometimes it is career based, other days its just informative.

Food and Dining

This University offers the most popular restaurants, and has a cafeteria too.

Academic Rigor

Every class offered is very informative, yet competitive. In order to recieve a good grade you must study.

Tips for prospective students

You must apply early, and make sure you complete your FASFA as soon as you can.

In three sentences

I have found the USF Tampa campus to be a top rated University. They are proactive with giving their students the highest quality of education. The Tampa campus is underrated in comparison to the larger Universities.

Krystal from Cape Coral, FL

06/20/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus police are always patrolling the area and there are lit safety posts that will directly connect you to campus security. We also have a SAFE team that will pick you up if you don't want to walk home at night, and a cell phone program which you can use to inform the police what route you are taking, what you are wearing, and when you expect to get there. If you don't check in after the time you set, they will send someone to look for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Week of Welcome is a big tradition on campus. During the first week of each semester campus life groups host activities almost 24/7. It is a great way to jump in to campus life and meet new friends. We also make a point of NEVER stepping on the USF seal out of respect for our school, the SGA has even roped off the seal in the Marshall Student Center as a reminder.

What to do for fun

USF is directly across from Busch Gardens / Adventure Island and the Museum of Science and Industry, and is a short drive from St. Petersburg and Ybor City. On campus they host a lot of events like Movies on the Lawn, Patio Tuesdays, Week of Welcome, etc. On top of that each hall hosts parties for special occasions. There are always opportunities to get free stuff.

Food and Dining

While I don't particularly think that the dining plans are very cost effective, for people who don't like to cook they can be a life saver. The food is definitely better than cafeteria food, though not restaurant quality. They make an effort to be health conscious and do their best to let you know what is in the food. Each dining site has vegetarian and vegan options, and occasionally have kosher or halal meats. They have made steps to be more green, implementing a reusable to-go box system that has reduced a lot of on campus waste. They also have the first on-campus Beef O'Brady's which is a great place to hang out and watch games, Jamba Juice, Einstein Bros. Bagel Company, Subway, Burger King, Sbarro, and Ben n' Jerry's.

Dorm Life

I was privileged to live in the Honors LLC at Juniper Hall which was absolutely stunning and was a suite arrangement (two rooms with a bathroom in between and two people per room). I definitely suggest applying for an LLC (Living Learning Community) as they serve to connect you with other students with similar majors or interests (there is even a Healthy Living LLC). There are a lot of activities hosted by the different dorm halls that are incredibly fun and each hall has representatives that meet to improve dorm life even more.

Academic Rigor

As with most universities, your academic experience will depend largely on the courses that you take and how many credit hours you take each semester. USF largely supports the idea of taking 15 credits per semester in order to graduate in four years. I find that most of the classes, especially the honors classes, are both challenging and interesting. Overall, if you work hard you should succeed at this university, but be prepared to work hard.

In three sentences

USF is an incredible university that not only cares about its students, but strives to make its community better. The administrations constantly strives to provide excellence in all areas of the college experience, and are friendly and approachable. This top tier research university is in a great location and shows a lot of promise in the coming years.

Nicholas

Nightly assistance. Students can call and get picked up by golf carts to get across campus.

What to do for fun

Ybor is only 30 or so minutes away. Great clubbing area. Or you can drive an hour and go to Orlando as well. Also, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are literally in walking distance of the campus.

Food and Dining

Vegetarian wise gets 5 stars, however, I'm pretty sure there was a week where one of the dining halls served grilled cheese variations 3 days in a row. The hours are pretty good, however, you're going to have to walk to take advantage of them.

Dorm Life

You're either going to love your room/floor people or hate them. No point in being rude to everyone since you're going to be living there for a while. Make the best of it.

Academic Rigor

I've been lucky with my professors with regard to how hard they grade, however, some of the standardized finals can be difficult. Use ratemyprof.

Tips for prospective students

Get out and meet people as fast as possible. The more people you know, the more you will have to do when the weekends come around. Also, you don't need to be studying nearly as much as everyone says, although some of the honors students I met studied 24/7. I found it to be a bit excessive.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida Tampa campus is an easily navigated, beautiful campus that has many open areas that host an array of events. However, some of the buildings can be eyesores. Campus can be dead on the weekends as this tends to be a commuter campus.

Valerie from Tampa, FL

06/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Tampa is filled with so many things to do. There are numerous places to visit and the downtown area is beautiful and full of life. From local restaurants to shopping malls, it is the perfect location to get through school and get away from it without going too far!

Tips for prospective students

Put on your comfortable shoes! The campus is quite large and may require a good amount of walking. Nonetheless, it is a very enjoyable walk.

In three sentences

USF has certainly exceeded my expectations. I did not think I would meet so many different people from various walks of life and I love that it is filled with so much diversity. The campus is exceptionally beautiful and makes college life far more pleasurable.

Jacqueline from Clearwater, FL

Hard working. Fast and athletic student who like a good teacher with strong methods.

Bang for the buck

Life changing.

What to do for fun

Volleyball, yoga and the great pool! The gym is one of the finest and up to date with great ballroom and exercise classes.

Food and Dining

Great food. Gets you in shape and very healthy.

Dorm Life

Wonderful.

Tips for prospective students

For sure try to register early for the professor you like because classes fill up very quickly.

In three sentences

Amazing classes with inspiring teachers. The Anthropology classes are absolutely mind changing. I really love the film and culture class I am taking and my ASL teacher is very adept at mKing us the best at our new language we can be.

Jacci from Bradenton, FL

06/29/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

There is an appropriate number of dining selections on campus, ranging from Einstein's Bagels for a nice morning cup of joe to the ever popular Beef of Brady's Sports Grille for dinner and a nice cold beer.

Academic Rigor

The highly educated staff maintains a high level of quality, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

In three sentences

University of South Florida is a beautiful campus, boasting a level of quality that is unmatched. The students are eager to learn, and the faculty is always up for the challenge. I could not be happier thus far with the campus itself, or with the faculty,

Monica from Miami, FL

I have walked home from campus late at night before because I live a few blocks away. It is a very safe area and there are also safety team people in golf carts that will give you rides.

Greek Life

I did not join a sorority so I have no idea what they're like although I have friends that say they love it.

Clubs and Activities

I transferred to USF without knowing a single person but because I got involved on campus I now have many friends. I feel like my school is my home which is way more than I could have ever asked for from college.

Great for these types of students

USF has a wide variety of students as far as interests, cultural backgrounds, and personalities. There is a niche for everyone and many clubs and organizations to find out which path if best for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a really cool art gallery and studio space on campus called Graphicstudio. There have been a bunch of famous artists that have gone there to work on special projects with the help of the staff. It is definitely worth checking out.

Bang for the buck

Since I am a Florida resident I get in state tuition which is way cheaper than out of state. The only issue is that tuition prices have increased so much recently that it is still a huge dent in spending.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of places to hang out near campus and in the greater Tampa area. My favorites in particular are the venues in Ybor City. A little bit of a drive, but totally worth it.

Food and Dining

There are amazing buffets on campus that I definitely recommend to all students of all eating types. I am a vegetarian and I was amazed at all of the options available for me. They also provide great deals during midterms and finals week.

Dorm Life

I don't necessarily have an opinion about the dorms because I have never lived on campus. There are always events and recreational classes in the halls so I would assume it is a very fun community.

Academic Rigor

The Academic Rigor at USF is definitely a challenge. This is why I would recommend getting together with a group of friends in class to have study parties. Otherwise, it is easy to get overwhelmed with work.

Tips for prospective students

My tips for prospective students are to get to know your classmates and professors well. It makes the classroom setting way more comforting and less intimidating.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida has been a great experience for me so far. I study at the USF College of the Arts and am working on a Bachelors degree in Studio Art. My classes have been phenomenal and my instructions are very helpful and experienced professionals.

Kristen from Sarasota, FL

07/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are a lot of good safety measures taken by this university. If you are somewhere at night, you can call safe team to drive you home, there are also emergency buttons you can push all through campus.

Clubs and Activities

There are an amazing amount of clubs and organizations for people to get involved in. Pretty much every interest is covered, and if you find that there is a club that you would like that is not currently at USF it is easy to get one started.

Great for these types of students

Great for students who are looking for an all around college experience, great academics and a great social experience.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Take a picture with the bulls in front of the student center. Week of Welcome is also a lot of fun, be sure to propel of the ROTC building!

Bang for the buck

USF has great programs, a beautiful campus, and great facilities for students all while being one of the less expensive universities.

What to do for fun

Go to the football games! Also patio tuesdays by the student center often has a lot of fun stuff to do. Take a picture with the bulls by the student center, and just enjoy the beautiful campus, you can go on bike rides or skate boarding or long boarding.

Food and Dining

There are a lot of options for dining, with four dining halls plus the food court in the student center, and burger king. The food is usually quite good, but sometimes after awhile, the food in the dining hall gets old so you will want to utilize the student center options.

Dorm Life

I lived in some of the less desirable dorms during my freshman year, but I still wouldn't trade in my on campus experience for any other. I met some of my best friends in my dorm and had a wonderful experience. You will meet a lot of great people, and if you have an issue, it is really easy to submit a work request and get it fixed.

Academic Rigor

As with every school, you have some professors that are tougher than others, but I have had amazing professors and I have learned a lot in my time at this University.

Tips for prospective students

Live on campus for at least one year to help you connect with other students and enjoy all that the school has to offer. Work hard, and go to all of the football games, they are a blast!

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is a great university, where everyone can find a niche. There are so many clubs and so many organizations you can get involved in. USF has great professors and a beautiful camps, I love it!

Anonymous

07/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There are many clubs that a person can join. If you are into Greek organizations it is a fun way to meet new people and make lifelong friendships. Downtown is also very close for those who enjoy the night life.

In three sentences

This campus is very large, but has many resources to benefit students. Although the class sizes can be very large many professors have office hours and are very helpful. The University of South Florida is one of the best in Florida!

Chelsea from Melbourne, FL

07/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Great safety. They have their own police department. There is a group that you can call if you feel unsafe walking to your dorm or car and they will come pick you up take you to where you need to go. There are also blue light security poles that you can pull if you feel unsafe. They are located every 15 feet apart in different directions for you to keep pulling so that you can be tracked and that help can find you.

What to do for fun

There are lots of places and activities for you to participate in. There is also lots of places that are in close proximity to the school. It also has Busch Gardens to go to.

Food and Dining

The food is really great here. Lots of food choices.

Dorm Life

The dorms are great and the RA's are really caring. I have never lived away from home and this has been a really great experience.

Academic Rigor

Very on the ball with academics. They really prepare you for what is out there.

Tips for prospective students

Great school. You really need to check the school out before you make a decision.

In three sentences

It's a great school with lots of majors to challenge you. The administrators are great and really care about students. Everyone is treated like a person and not a number.

Alexa from Deerfield Beach, FL

Anyone really. I think University of South Florida can work for anyone. The variety is incredible, all types of people and even more types of interests.

Food and Dining

Dining options are vast, everything from fast food to healthy meals are provided. Salad bars at each dining hall makes the experience favorable each time. Not only that, specific days are set as themes, allowing us to get some good steak and salmon on Surf and Turf Nights.

Dorm Life

Dorm life has to be one of my favorite aspects of University of South Florida because of the constant interaction one can choose to have or not have. If one prefers to be alone, it can work here. Social butterflies are also welcome because someone is always around to have a study session, watch T.V., or just talk.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor is strong. Tough enough to keep a student studying, but once balanced, time can be made for anything. The resources provided are also exceptionally driven towards one's success here. Anything a student may need is at a touch of your finger tips and all the advisors and people around to assist make academics come easy.

In three sentences

The main campus is beautiful; Trees canopy the walk ways and blanket the campus all over as Spanish Moss hangs divinely off the branches. Though, the ever occurring palm trees and the tremendous heat remind me just how lucky I am to have the best of both worlds.

Katherine from Spring Hill, FL

07/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Can call security during evening hours for an escort to your car or bus stop. There are multiple emergency button locations that can be pushed on campus for an immediate response to be sent to that site by campus security.

What to do for fun

There are places on campus to hang out with friends, like the student center, the many open (cleanly-kept) lawn spaces outside, or the bottom floor of the library. The gym is an awesome facility with many activities that can be done with equipment to rent, machines to use, and an indoor track and pool. Close to campus lacks stimulating activities for college students, but if you can drive a little ways, downtown Ybor has shops, shows, and clubs to go to day and night, as well as awesome scenery and museums for casual adventures.

Food and Dining

I have had the food court meals a couple of times and have found them to be average cafeteria-grade meals. I would NOT give up home-cooked leftovers for this food. It is much tastier and healthier to bring your own food with you to snack between classes or eat for a meal.

Dorm Life

This is not applicable to me because I commute an hour each way to attend USF 4-5 days per week. If I was a single student I would live near campus in an apartment, not in a dorm, because I do not like dorms. This would be up to the student to feel out.

Academic Rigor

I transferred to USF from a community college and found the work load to be much more demanding, but much more rewarding. Students definitely get out of the courses what they put into it. Faculty and staff are willing to work with out and give you guidance if you are actively working on your assignments and learning.

Tips for prospective students

Work diligently on time management for work and play. This school has tough curriculum and courses for any degree, but many opportunities and paths for learning and shaping your life/career skills, and can overload and burn you out. Set aside plenty of time for studying/homework, but take the time to take a break and relax and reflect on the things you are learning.

In three sentences

One of the best things about this school/campus is how accepting it is for every student making it a comfortable and relaxed experience. Students have the ability to take charge of their college/learning experience as much as possible by being self driven AND being able to seek helpful guidance and ask questions. This is a good school and has great faculty for students who want to learn and actively earn their education through dedicated work.

Leenie from Tampa, FL

07/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

We have tons of ways to stay safe on campus. There are EMERGENCY poles throughout campus that immediately connect you to the campus police. There is also the SAFE team that will escort you to any art of campus on their go carts. There is also a texting service where USF will text you to stay away/safe from anything bad like a major fight or a hurricane. And so much more!

Greek Life

FUN! Rush/Join because you have no idea of all the fun that you are missing out on. People say that you are pretty much paying for friends, but going greek is such a great decision!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Whatever you do, do NOT STEP on the USF SEAL!

Bang for the buck

You get a TON of cool benefits from becoming a Bull; One of my favorites is our access to the Recreation Center (Gym).

What to do for fun

Bulls Club, Bulls Night Out, MOSI, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island

Food and Dining

Juniper Dining and Champions Choice are my favorites. They've got everything from fast food to vegan, so they will definitely have whatever you crave. We bulls do however pride ourselves in all of the healthy food options that we do have on campus. It's great!

Dorm Life

You can go on a Housing Tour and look at all of the different kinds of dorms that you want. There are always the cheap, small dorms and the nice, new, expensive ones too. So it all depends on your preferences and your paychecks. (; I do have a ton of friends that live nearby off-campus, there are tons of apartments within walking distance that are nice and way cheaper.

Tips for prospective students

If you're into partying and having a good time, Go Greek. Make sure you get involved with different clubs/groups concerning your field of study. Also, attend meetings (i.e. Pre-Med/AMSA meetings). Whatever you do GET INVOLVED!

In three sentences

USF has a very rich Diversity, and many (if not all) students are open-minded to the many cultural differences. There are tons of ways to get involved in whatever you are interested in. Tuition isn't that bad!

A person from Seffner, FL

There are so many dining facilities you can find just what you are hungry for.

Dorm Life

I live off campus, but from what I hear it is nice. We have new dormitories as well.

Academic Rigor

We have very knowledgeable professors. Many are researchers and scientists. If you study hard you will do fine!

Tips for prospective students

Join the USF family! There are so many majors offered. I believe you will really feel at home here. We are a middle size school and there is so much to be a part of. USF is also a research university focusing on a better tomorrrow!

In three sentences

The campus beautiful! There has been a great deal of work on our campus such as the constrution of new buildings and beautiful landscaping.

Brianna from Tampa, FL

07/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

We have so many blue lights on campus, you can always see one nearby at night. There is also SAFEteam which will drive students to their cars or across campus, that anyone can call when they do not want to walk alone. And, we also have campus police that have their own station on campus.

Clubs and Activities

There is a club for pretty much everything. There are different music clubs, language clubs, activities, and everything!

Bang for the buck

I find that there are many options and different experiences to explore at USF with out having to ever pay a ton of money.

What to do for fun

There are many concerts not far from campus. Student government,and similar organizations, are really great at providing fun activities--there are plenty of things to do each week.

Food and Dining

There are lots of good places to eat on and near campus.

Dorm Life

The dorms have tons of activities, greats RAs, and are pretty decent.

Academic Rigor

Many classes have a lot of information, but most of it is interesting and essential, while at the same time manageable.

Tips for prospective students

Check out all of the different departments and majors, there are many choices to choose from. Enjoy the scenery, there are plenty of great spots to hang out in and read or catch up with friends. Make sure to to check the locations of the classes you pick, the campus is huge!

In three sentences

This a great school, with a lot of fun social activities, many interesting classes, and a beautiful campus!

Courtney from Orlando, FL

Over 600 clubs, tons of club sports, hundreds of intramural teams, and so many parties and random things to do on campus!

Food and Dining

Smoked salmon for dinner last night. Need I say more? The food here is absolutely incredible!!

Dorm Life

Juniper-Poplar halls are the best!

Academic Rigor

It's difficult, but it's college, it's supposed to be!

Tips for prospective students

Get involved! Do not be afraid to get out there and meet new people, whether you do it in classes, your dorms, or extracurriculars. Meeting new people will only make your experience here that much better.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is a school with fantastic opportunities, whether in class or with extracurriculars. It has top-notch professors and great classes. On top of everything else, the campus is absolutely beautiful!

Alyssa from Elkton, FL

There are many security guards on campus at all times and safety text alerts sent out when something occurs.

Greek Life

The Greek Life is a large social organization but if you do not join it is not a big deal you will find your place.

Clubs and Activities

There are over 300 intermittent sports and clubs on campus. It is definitely easy to find your place here.

Great for these types of students

The gym is very new and full of great equipment. There is an indoor track and pool.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The lakes by the Psychology buildings are very nice and relaxing in the afternoon.

Bang for the buck

Places around campus are rather cheep.

What to do for fun

Tampa is a large city so there is many things to do. Ybor City has a highly active night life and the campus itself has activities on the weekends.

Food and Dining

The food is decent on campus. Champions Choice is a dinning hall near the gym that supplies healthier choices. The food is fresh and well prepared everyday.

Dorm Life

Juniper-Poplar hall is the newest residence halls and very nice. But the other residence halls are old and in need of some remolding which I believe they have plans to start doing over the summer.

Academic Rigor

The academics are rigorous but as long as you stay focused and study you will be fine. It all depends on how much effort you put forth.

Tips for prospective students

Study hard and don't lose focus.

In three sentences

The campus is very beautiful and a good size that everything is not a trip away. Tampa is a large city so there is always activities and things going on. The school provides numerous clubs and organizations for students and supply academic aid and help students achieve their full potential.

KNB from Tampa, FL

They have emergency phones, a safety team to pick a student up at night, MoBull which notifies a student of anything important going on and other ways to communicate/help people.

Greek Life

There's plenty of Greek life going on and Greek housing for certain sororities/fraternities. It's pretty big but doesn't rule the campus.

Clubs and Activities

Over 600+ options to choose from. I'm already apart of a few and they're already planning to do events for the fall. I'm pretty excited :)

Great for these types of students

For basically anyone who wants to grow as a person and is interested in the various opportunities USF has to offer in so many arrays of college life.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I haven't been here long enough to be apart of any unusual traditions. I'm pretty sure that will start in the Fall.

Bang for the buck

For the most part everything is pretty great except for the dining hall closing a 7pm every weekday and the fact that Starbucks is closed Sat and Sun during the summer. Everything in any store is expensive but that's a given considering it's college. Other than that everything is a great deal.

What to do for fun

There's always events going on around campus. I haven't been to all of them but it does give you something to do. They're sponsored by a variety of organizations like wellness, greek life or someone else. There's the gym which has an amazing indoor swimming pool. There's a whole lot of places to eat, the bookstore, and the library. Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, The Sun Dome, and Mosi are pretty close.

Food and Dining

Certain places like Champs, Starbucks or the restaurants at the Marshall Center are pretty good but the dining halls are not always a good way to fill you're stomach. Sometimes their food is really good other times it's not. Also the hours they close during summer aren't great especially since people have evening classes.

Dorm Life

Love living in Poplar! The suite-style rooms are spacious and aesthetically pleasing. The common area is always a great place to hangout, meet news friends or study. There's always something to do whether it's in your own pod or on campus. I especially love the sushi at the POD market.

Academic Rigor

The summer classes I'm taking are time consuming but not impossible. Read the text, pay attention in class and you're set!

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared for change.

In three sentences

I love my experience so far at USF. I'm starting taking summer classes as a freshmen and thankful for the opportunity. I've learned so much these past few weeks and feel fully prepared for the challenges of fall.

Joseph from Largo, FL

The USF PD is top notch. They are responsive, attentive, and seen in force everywhere.

Greek Life

The university doesn't like it and on campus housing isn't much better than the dorms. Nothing like seem in movies or in larger, older schools.

Clubs and Activities

With over 500 student organizations, students will be able to find many clubs that interest them.

Great for these types of students

Great for students who have a desire to learn and understand the concepts of the major they are studying.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

None.

Bang for the buck

Great Value for a state education.

What to do for fun

Busch Gardens is 5 minutes away. Canoeing the Hillsborough River is a great adventure with all the local wildlife. Ybor has tons of nightlife, much like a smaller New Orleans.

Food and Dining

On campus dining in the dining halls is on par with many hotel buffets and this seems pretty standard across the campus. Many fast food option are also there but are the same as off campus.

Dorm Life

Campus life is great, but nothing comported to larger state universities. Students need to be more involved with building events and programs.

Academic Rigor

USF is a state school but the professor from my experience offers a very challenging and interesting semester to the students. Some classes could be a little harder and some a little softer.

Tips for prospective students

Schedule yourself hours to study in the library each week. Keep track of due dates posted in syllabues and study in advance of tests. Review starts when you walk out of the classroom. Don't let that knowledge leave your brain.

In three sentences

USF Tampa offers an environment that allow for ubiquitous learning for all types of students. In keeping with the state standards, I feel that USF goes a lot further to educate the masses. Tampa's diversity add a great atmosphere in and around the campus.

Chiara from Kissimmee, FL

07/25/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

There are many resources for students to feel safe. To mention a few there are Blue Lights located around the campus to press in case of any emergency. There is a service that will pick you up or send someone to walk with you if you are feeling unsafe. You can also send a text to a Guardian to make sure that you will be in a location in the time you give. Otherwise they will send the campus police to begin searching for you. These services are only a few to make sure that each Bull is safe.

Clubs and Activities

USF has over 600 clubs and organizations. There is a club that will fill the need of anyone. From community service to Harry Potter club.

What to do for fun

Anything you want. There is a huge gym on campus, filled with athletic equipment, indoor basketball courts and indoor track, for those who like to stay fit. There are numerous pools indoors and outdoors. Students are always outdoors playing frisbee, football, or basketball.

Food and Dining

The campus is full of restaurants. From Burger King to Chick-fil-A. There is even a rooftop diner. I am sure you will find the perfect dining for you.

Dorm Life

There are numerous types of dorms. Traditional for those who feel like meeting more people. Suite-style for those who want a little more privacy and apartment for those who want the comfort of a private kitchen and restrooms.

Academic Rigor

I can't really say yet because I haven't started courses but I am sure that the academic course rigor is based on the student. The campus is full of sources to help with academics from tutors to writing peer editors.

Tips for prospective students

Be ready to be yourself and be confident. You are as brilliant as you believe.

In three sentences

The campus isn't overwhelmingly huge yet not too small. It is full of peers and adults who are eager to help you earn an education. It is in the prime location of Tampa, FL which allows for networking and a perfect place to start a career.

Shelby from Lakeland, FL

07/25/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

At USF one of the most heard things I hear is about campus saftey. USF makes it a priority to make sure that all of their students feel safe and protected. There are blue lights located all over campus, if you are standing at one you should be able to see another, and these are if you are in trouble. You can press the call button and get immediate response from the on campus polilce department. If you are being chased, you can press one button, then press the next, and they can track where you are running. We also have a program called Safe Team which you can call and have them pick you up from one location on campus and bring you to another, free of charge. This is very important for students once it is dark outside. These are not the only perks of campus saftey at USF, just some of the most common.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

USF is full of traditions even though it is a fairly new school. Football games, ROCKY, the fight song, and SBC are all traditions that the Bulls take part in. There are many landmarks on campus, including MLK plaza.

What to do for fun

USF is full of fun activities. Busch Gardens is an amusement park that is located within 5 miles from USF (you can see it from campus). Many students enjoy visiting Busch Gardens as well as MOSI. One of the most popular things to do at USF is go to the beach. We are located near some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Students love to go to the beach for the day and enjoy the sunshine and water. There are also hundreds of activities to do on campus and many sporting events to attend. Football games are a highlight of Fall and the Bulls look forward to football season all year. There are endless opportunities at USF.

Food and Dining

There are many different dining options at USF, including a brand new dining hall that serves healthy options. There are fast food restaurants on campus, the only Beef O Bradys on a college campus, and a restaurant on the top floor of the Marshall Center. There are not just dining halls at USF so you are given many different options to choose from. If you would like to eat off campus, there are hundreds of restaurants surrounding the campus, all very close.

Dorm Life

Everyone comes into college dreading living in a dorm, but don't. I really enjoyed living in a dorm my freshman year because I met so many people, most of whom I am still friends with today. There are many different options for on campus housing and many new options.

Academic Rigor

Depending on your major and classes you choose to take, USF can be difficult. If you apply yourself and take the time to study and work hard, you will do wonderful, but you must take your studies seriously. Don't worry, you will struggle with some classes, but that is part of college and learning. You can't know everything, that is what college is for.

Tips for prospective students

The first tip I would give any prospective student would be to live on campus your first year. I know it might seem horrible living in a dorm but it is your best chance to get involved on campus and meet new people. Another tip I would give prospective students would be to get invovled with as many student organizations and groups that you possibly can. This will also give you the opportunity to meet people who have the same interests and goals that you do. The third tip is HAVE FUN! Don't stress yourself out too much. Yes, go to class and do your work, but also take time to enjoy everything that USF, Tampa, and Florida have to offer.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is really Bulls Country. With spirited students, a great athletic program, dedicated professors, and an overall great community, the University of South Florida is the best place to be in the state. There are plenty of on and off-campus activities that will keep any student involved and in the best place for their lives and career.

Kimberly from Oviedo, FL

07/28/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

USF has a full-blown on campus police force, plus a blue-light system of emergency call phones, which are set up in such a way that you can always see at least one other blue light from any blue light on campus. Also, there's a safe ride service, where a staff member will pick you up from anywhere on campus and drive you to your dorm in a golf cart between the hours of 10pm and 3am.

Clubs and Activities

There are over 300 student organizations and clubs, so there's something for everyone, and there's always something exciting happening on campus.

Great for these types of students

USF is good for outgoing students who aren't afraid to get to know new people. Students have to be accepting of different cultures and religions, because USF attracts people from all over the world.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There's a really cool sundial type thing with a meteorite in the middle of it, and on the summer solstice at 1:12 pm the circle above casts a shadow perfectly onto the circle in the center.

Bang for the buck

It's not a cheap school, but its definitely worth it.

What to do for fun

There are over 300 student organizations to choose from. And there a lot of free, fun activities for students, like Movies on the Lawn every Friday night.

Food and Dining

The food is excellent and there are plenty of healthy choices.

Dorm Life

Living on campus is fun, and they have so many things to do. You also have Roommate Agreements to make sure that you and your roommate are on the same page from day one, so everyone gets along really well.

Academic Rigor

Students have very high expectations, and have to do a lot of studying to succeed. You have to be academically competitive and focused to do well.

Tips for prospective students

Get an earlier Orientation date, if possible. You'll be able to register earlier, which is good, because the English Composition and Math classes fill up quickly.

In three sentences

USF is a great research school. It has a very friendly and helpful atmosphere. The students are very academically focused and school spirited.

April from Tampa, Florida

08/01/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

To me, Campus is extremely safe. Throughout the week and on weekends there are safe teams that are available to drive students around so that no student should ever have to walk around campus alone! Also, there are a plethora of safety tools such as safety lights and alarms placed all around campus!

Greek Life

Greek life is small but growing!

Clubs and Activities

I can't count the number of clubs and activities USF has. If there is something you like or are interested in most likely there is a club or team already If there isn't something already in the hobby you have students can always start clubs! USF is always open for new things.

Great for these types of students

Students how love to learn and love to play. Really everyone can call USF home because at USF there is something for everyone!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Movies on the lawn is probably my favorite tradition of USF's! Every other Wednesday USF shows a movie outside! They project a new and fun movie onto one of the buildings and everyone brings a blanket so they can sit out on the hill and watch to the movie. There is free popcorn and sodas, and it is always the funnest night of the week.

Bang for the buck

This campus brings the most bang with its gorgeous atmosphere that surrounds the college. USF has the most beautiful campus with ponds, fountains and plush greenery. This campus is very beautiful, very fun, and of course very scholarly.

What to do for fun

This is where the school life flourishes! There is always something going on at USF, whether it is Bull Market on Wednesdays or Movies on the lawn or the most famous, athletics. There are a plethora of sports available from throw around games to intermerial sports to USF's teams. There is so much to do and discover when you have time away from your studies. There are, of course, clubs. parties and Greek life, but sometimes what is most fun is hanging with friends in the pod of the dorm. There is always something to do that fits your mood!

Food and Dining

The food isn't the highlight of the school, but it is still pretty good, especially when you compare it to other universities. Students have plenty of options including warm meals that are for meat lovers and for vegetarians, or salad bars that have everything from cheeses to vegetables and fruits to coffee for those late nights.

Dorm Life

The dorm is the place where all life experiences are endured. This is my favorite part because with the pods USF sets up in each dorm hall, you get to meet every student in your hall and go to socials and pod events. It is a really great way to meet knew and very different kinds of people and also where most students will meet life long friends.

Academic Rigor

I give my school a 3 because although the courses can be tough and challenging there is a plethora of help and tutoring available! There really is no reason for failing a course at this University because there is so much help provided for each student! This makes schooling much less stressful and studying much more successful!

Tips for prospective students

The biggest tip I have for prospective students is to keep an open mind for all the schools you visit. Most students have a college in mind already and do not want to consider other schools, but that is a mistake because things aren't always as they seem and neither are colleges, so my tip for you is to keep an open mind and think about the atmosphere you want to live in for the next four years.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida in Tampa is the most beautiful and most peaceful campus I have been to. The experiences I have been privileged to endure have been life altering and really helped me to grow as person, allowing me to discover what I really want to accomplish in life. I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else!

Dametria from South Daytona, FL

08/02/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are multiple forms of security! If you attend late classes and want to refrain from walking around the campus at night, you can call or text for security to take you to another destination on campus. There are also blue police lights scattered around; you can press the panic button and campus police can reach you with in 5 minutes or less!

Greek Life

There are many sororities and fraternities. They have their own designated buildings to live in. Most importantly, they are very active in the community.

Clubs and Activities

There are over 650 clubs and organizations for you to get involved in! However, if neither one satisfies you, you can create your own! Each club is tailored to fit your needs, and you can be apart of multiple organizations.

Great for these types of students

USF is great for individuals who are looking to pursue a career in medicine because they have a highly rated medical program. The campus is also great for people who want to experience many many people from all over the world!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The mascot is a bull; there are statues of bulls dispersed through out the campus and it is a tradition to smack the butt of the bulls when you pass by one in order to have good luck. There is also a Business Building which was built partly underground like the tellie tubbie's home. Also if you wake early enough you can go to the ROTC building and watch the ROTC students perform their daily workouts, which also include jumping, and climbing their building with ropes and such.

What to do for fun

There are multiple recreational buildings that consist of athletics, pools, and weight rooms. If you don't want to stay on campus and indulge in their facilities, you can go off and campus and there is a Busch Gardens not even 30 minutes away, there is a mall not even 10 minutes away, and there are multiple clubs for night life!

Food and Dining

There are about 3 different dining halls that cater to the preferences of students. There are also a chain of fast food restaurants dispersed across the campus such as Chik-Fil-A, Jamba Juice, and Beef O Brady. Most of the dining halls and convenience stores are open until almost 3 a.m. and fast food restaurants close around 8 p.m.

Dorm Life

There are 3 different living arrangements available: traditional-one room mate and a community bathroom, suite: 3 room mates and one bath room, and apartments: can have 3 other room mates and you pay rent. The rooms are nice sizes. Most of the dorm buildings are co-ed, floors are designated as boy, girl style.

Academic Rigor

Yes the academic rigor is advanced, however, there are multiple resources to help you succeed such as study groups, and tutors. USF is ranked in the top 50 for their research in the country and 2nd in the state of Florida; therefore, academics are highly favored too.

Tips for prospective students

The most important thing is, when you need help on progressing in your classes TAKE ADVANTAGE of the available tutoring centers. Also, manage your time and money wisely so your priorities can be aligned positively.

In three sentences

The students and staff are very diverse, complimenting all walks of life. There is a strong school spirit especially regarding sports; the school highly encourage all students to get involved in clubs in order to fully experience the college life. Lastly, the class sizes are fair and appropriate.

Nathaniel from Port Richey, FL

I've never had an issue. Security seems pretty good the overall vibe is pretty safe.

Clubs and Activities

Im not in any clubs because of my family obligations.

Great for these types of students

Well i'd say that is great for any type of student, its very spacious. Not like some campuses in cities. Its like being in a park.

Bang for the buck

I like the school, I just wish the teachers were more like teachers instead of test proctors. They act kind of full of themselves, like they are better than you. Overall though it is a good school. Even though tuition is rediculous...but thats nation wide, it seems schools are getting just as greedy as the oil companies and the polititions.

What to do for fun

I mostly stay home, or me and my wife go out. It varies from time to time.

Food and Dining

They have a food court area that has several choices in food including subs, chinese and burgers, its like the typical mall food court...They also have Jamba Juice, it is an excellent smoothie place.

Dorm Life

I would not know about this, I live off campus.

Academic Rigor

So far, the classes I have taken have been easy. Just read and take tests. Unfortunately, if your supporting a family like me and don't have alot of time to read, it can be stressful. Don't procrastinate, it will be the end of you.

Tips for prospective students

When applying, get the Orientation done as soon as possible, you cannot register, or do much of anything until that is done. Also the financial aid people typically will not be able to answer your questions, everytime I ask them something I am always answered with the typical I don't know expression.

In three sentences

The teachers are knowledgable, but some are a little too distant from the students. The classes are more focused on testing than learning, read, test, read ,test. The campus is nice though, big, clean, and alot of nature.

Nisrin from Tampa, FL

08/07/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Very safe. There are text messages sent to every student if anything at all of safety concern is occurring on or near campus. There is a safe team that drives students across campus and to their vehicles during late hours of the night.

Greek Life

HUGE!! Greek life is important at USF, there are tons of Frats and sororities to choose from!

Clubs and Activities

So many to choose from! There is a club for almost anything you can imagine!

Great for these types of students

All types! Very diverse atmosphere. Great for people who like meeting people of all different origins and personalities. People are very friendly and welcoming.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Marshall center. It has a Skypad that includes plasma T.Vs, a game room, and coffee and vending machines, as well as a microwave.

Emilio from Naples, FL

08/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The campus is actually a very safe place with its updates on suspicious activity through text message notifications and e-mails. Also, there is an emergency call system of posts with buttons that one can press to either communicate with the university police or at least let them know their location scattered around campus in case of danger. There is also called SafeTeam, which is a unit of people driving go-carts in the afternoon to late night that students can call to have them picked up and driven safely to their destination.

Clubs and Activities

There are a couple of clubs and bars that are nearby campus as well as downtown, which is where the most popular spots are located. Many people usually go on Thursday and throughout the weekends. There are also a lot of activities that happen around campus that students can choose from that happen every week, and they can be either dances, talent shows, concerts, etc. And there are a ton of activities to enjoy during the first week of the Fall semester during an even called Week of Welcome (WoW).

Great for these types of students

This school is great for those that want to meet people from different backgrounds that come from different parts of the world, and are interested on a higher education of high quality that will at the same time make them more culturally aware.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One tradition that the school has been constantly trying to reinforce is: to not step on the school's seal. It is apparently bad luck. Other than that, at least within the group of people I know, you must at some point during your time at USF take a picture on top of the bull statues in front of the Marshal Student Center.

Bang for the buck

The price for going to school here has gone up a bit lately, and it's no secret that college is expensive. However, I believe that you are getting your money's worth when it comes to education. There are a few things that are questionable, like the limit of papers you are allowed to print per day, but that may be up ones opinion.

What to do for fun

Students can go to events that happen around campus for fun, whether it's a dance, talent show, watching a probate or step show, there's actually quite a lot to do. One can even hang out and play pool at the school's Beef 'O Brady's. Students may also throw parties within their dorms, and fraternities and sororities will throw house parties every now and then. There are also several clubs, bars, and hookah lounges nearby, but the most attractive areas of that nature are located downtown.

Food and Dining

For now (2012) there are four dining halls, the one by the campus gym being the newest, and also the healthiest. The other three are near each resident hall community (Andros, Argos, and Juniper). Their location is actually very convenient, especially because you can also get food to go if necessary. The food itself is usually very good at the one near the gym, and the other halls have their good and bad days. They will at least always have food, so long as they're open of course.

Dorm Life

Dorm life can be a very private and isolated lifestyle, or a very interactive one with the rest of the community. It all depends on how involved you decide you want to be. The more you go to socials in your building or around campus, the more likely you are to make new friends. As for the sleeping, if you have a roommate, so long as you two are in agreement on your sleep schedule, it will all work out. And if you live in your own room, there aren't too many distracting sounds that keep you from sleeping. The walls do well at keeping sound in and out of the room.

Academic Rigor

The school's difficulty can be a challenge, but it is only because its rigor encourages the students to do some critical thinking to use their maximum potential to think outside the box. The general education classes are too difficult. For the most part, they are easy, but they will still have their tough moments like any course, depending on how much focus or emphasis you put into the class.

Tips for prospective students

If you are looking into applying to USF, you may have most likely heard of their medical program or some science major. From what I know, it is a great place for the subject. The classes are challenging, but in the end you learn the material and are proud of it. And that can be said for more than just science classes. There are other communications classes and cultural courses that will enhance your knowledge and understanding of today's world.

In three sentences

USF is a campus full of enriching education. The professors are nice and well educated for the most part, and they love what they do. The campus itself is a thriving environment full of different cultures and perspectives from around the world. And its housing is a comfortable living space.

Jessica from Tampa, FL

As a member of greek life, it is amazing. All of the organizations on campus are very supportive of each other.

What to do for fun

The main campus of USF is centrally located. There are night clubs, skating, bowling, laser tag and etc within minutes of the university.

Academic Rigor

The university currently wants students to take 15 credit hours in order to graduate within 4 years. I understand everyone wants to finish their degree within 4 years, however, if you are working full-time don't take that many credit hours. The more hours you take the more you have to make sure you get a good grade in those classes. By taking that many credits at one-time, if you fail a class it can bring your GPA down quickly.

Karen from Tampa, FL

08/13/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I have never had any problems but there are a lot of emergency stations in case there is a need for it. I know if you need a ride they have a safe team/ride thing going on where they pick you up in a golf cart and take you where you need to go on campus.

Clubs and Activities

This is definitely a good way to get free food and hang out with friends as well as provide opportunities for internships.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a botanical garden on campus where you can farm/grow things. There is also a water molecule garden and different atom seats around that garden.

What to do for fun

The first week of each semester there is Week Of Welcome where many clubs have event and tons of free stuff and food. Every Wednesday there is Bulls Market where local places and club have things on display, for sale and even free giveaway.There are also a lot of Hookah places and bars nearby, as well as a lot of school clubs and on campus things to do.

Food and Dining

The food is really delicious and not too expensive if you have it every now and then. They have food options for everyone except if your looking for gluten free foods; I haven't really seen that. The are also off campus options that are really close, delicious and cheep. There is a Sweetbay and a Publix within driving distance. There are good Indian food and Sushi places nearby. A little further down there is a good Greek and German place called Acropolis and Mr. Dunderbak's. There are also a lot of Hookah pla

Dorm Life

I never lived in a dorm because it was too expensive and during orientation I had to room with a girl that was crying all night. I know there are scholarships for if you are interested in it, so that's always an option. Also some of my friends that did this seemed to really enjoy this and now live off campus with the same roommates.

Academic Rigor

I'm an A student so for me most classes where very easy especially the general education classes. The further I got into my degree the more challenging the classes became. In general I never really had to read the assign readings; I would just skim through the material because most teachers went over that same material in class. Some teachers even provide there power points so notes aren't that necessary.

Tips for prospective students

If you're an instate student I recommend staying at home because you save a lot of money that you could use for something else.

In three sentences

I really like USF because it's close to home and the campus is really nice. The people are friendly. Also there is a lot of technology there and most of the paper work can be done online.

Tina from Delray Beach, FL

08/14/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

There are several dining halls located around campus, specifically close to the residence halls. Every dining hall has a vegan and vegetarian section. Also, on the schools dining website they have the menus with caloric intake per meal included. All meals are relatively healthy.

Dorm Life

Dorms are probably the best way to meet people, especially if you live in residence halls. The rates are a little pricey but it's worth it. All of the dorms are within fifteen minutes walking distance of the buildings where most undergraduate classes are held and they all have a dining hall within three minutes walking distance. In the dorm is probably where you will meet people who will become some of your closest friends in the next couple of years. It also allows you to transition into an independent college student life.

Academic Rigor

As a freshman, most of the classes will not be too difficult. A key factor to passing is studying, listening to lectures and/or reading required texts. If you do have any problems, the school has tutoring and a writing center (for help with essays) to aid you. The classes are challenging but in the way to help you learn a lot more and help your inquiring and critical thinking skills.

Tips for prospective students

It would be a good idea to learn how to manage your time well. Although it may seem like you have all this free time to go have fun, use it wisely. The school has resources for your benefit, do not be afraid to use them. Do not worry about making friends because chances are you will make your first one on your first day at campus. Even if it is your first time away from home, it does not mean 'go crazy and wild', remember why you chose to come here and the purpose it serves. One of the biggest things is get all your paperwork (as in financial aid, housing, meal plans, etc.) all taken care of as soon as possible. The longer you wait to do any of it, the more time consuming and frustrating it will get afterward; plus, everything usually ends up how you wanted it to if you get everything done earlier.

In three sentences

The campus is refreshing; the trees, people, and weather. There is always something to do, whether it is a school planned event or students at the school planning an event. As a student, you always have opportunities to gain further insight into subjects you enjoy (clubs, internships, etc.).

Alexis from Palm Harbor, FL

The USF police are always on point. There is a ton of security on campus at night time.

Clubs and Activities

The clubs and activities are awesome!!

What to do for fun

Attend football games and go tailgating. Participate in intramural sports or join a club.

Food and Dining

The food is really good, plenty of choices around campus. Whether you are trying to eat healthy or not.

Academic Rigor

The advisors are great when it comes to keeping you on track. I wish I would have seen my advisor sooner, because i would have changed my major a long time ago.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved in organizations, get a tutor when you are struggling in classes, and always see your advisor.

In three sentences

Its a really good school, because they offer a ton of opportunities for obtaining a job after you graduate. The organizations at the school are great to meet new people and develop a network for the future. Most of the teachers there want to see you suceed.

Madhurya from Pembroke Pines, FL

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Food and Dining

There are so many options, especially for a vegetarian like me. My roommate, who can't have gluten, can text the chef and request the food she wants for that day!

Dorm Life

Each residence hall is divided in several pods and this is the common room for students to meet up. We can sit out in the pod and watch movies, study for finals, or even just chill a little! Sometimes, your classes are in your hall and you can just show up to class in your PJs!

Academic Rigor

As a Biomedical Sciences student, I have to take rigorous classes in a short amount, sometime having to double up on science classes during a single semester. The faculty is always there to help you out and make sure you have all your questions answered.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to check out the campus and see what USF has to offer. USF also awards A LOT of financial aid and is a great option for students that want to attend college on a budget. Work hard for those scholarships and don't slack too much during your senior year.

In three sentences

USF is the perfect school for an aspiring doctor, like me. The opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and volunteer re numerous and most are right on campus! The campus is welcoming and the students there are friendly; I'm looking forward to being a bull!

Arlene from Riverview, FL

I like the texting on my smart phone that USF has for students to warn them of weather or anyone on campus who may be threatening.

Great for these types of students

I can only speak as a commuter student. I love the school!

Bang for the buck

USF has a beautiful campus and great professors and a dedicated staff to the students.

Food and Dining

I usually brown-bag it.

Academic Rigor

USF is tough in that you are graded on a 7-point scale. You will not get an A unless you have 93 or higher. But that is good as it sets academic standards high.

Tips for prospective students

When you are in a competitive situation, such as interviewing for entrance into your desired program of study--do your homework. Know why you want to major in that field and be sure to follow directions to the letter. Print out instructions and cross off one by one what the school is asking you to complete. And be courteous and grateful when you are contacted by anyone from the school.

In three sentences

I like the main campus. It is beautiful and I have found my program to be exciting and interesting. I believe that USF wants to see their students succeed. I am thrilled to be attending this university.

Martin from Valrico, FL

We have the convenience of every fast food place on the planet here...along with some upscale dining as well. 5 star.

Dorm Life

I don't live in a dorm, so I can't really rate this x)

Academic Rigor

The workload is rough! But you should be able to survive :)

Tips for prospective students

Just trust me..don't be late to class :P

In three sentences

USF has an amazing environment; it is a very friendly place filled with wonderful opportunities. The employees / professors here are very kind and caring, and actually give a rip about all of their students. I give them a total 5 star rating!

a Bull

08/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There is a Police Station on Campus. To get into the dorm building you must use your student ID and only those that live there have access to enter. There are Blue Light stations around campus that alerts 911 when you press the button.

Greek Life

There is a Greek Village set aside for those in the Greek Life and they host activities for students to learn more about what they stand for.

Clubs and Activities

They have around 400 diverse clubs.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a Sky Pad on the top floor of the Student Center, which is great to hangout with friends or just sit and do homework. Also, there is the tradition of Movies on the Lawn every Wednesday in front of the student center.

What to do for fun

The school has activities going on every single say for students. These activities are hosted by organizations, housing, or Sororities/Fratenities. Some activities are comedic shows, open mic's, movies, BBQ, and games.

Food and Dining

There are options of four dinning halls around campus that have a variety of food every day (buffet style). Also they have well-known places like Burger King, Chick-fil-a, Subway, Moe's and much more. There is a big variety on what to eat.

Dorm Life

The recently built dorms are the most comfortable and the most pleasant to live in. The older ones are smaller, and seem to be less well kept.

Academic Rigor

The classes are full of students that want to learn, yet there are always those few that are not. Students study together often. Teachers are willing to what the best the can to help an student that wants to learn.

In three sentences

There are many places around campus that are there to benefit all students. Everyone around campus is friendly, and the view is beautiful.

Demetrios from Saint Petersburg, FL

never lived on campus, but i have a lot of friends who do! awesome student life there

Academic Rigor

Academics are sort of tough. You actually have to work hard to get the grade you want

Tips for prospective students

Do your homework when it comes to taking classes and your degree sheet. Some classes are not offered in the summer. While in high school, sign up for Dual-Enrollment so you can take college classes for free, cut down your time in College, and save a LOT of money

In three sentences

The main campus has become more beautiful throughout my past 4 years there. They spend a lot of our tuition money changing the sod every year, but I guess it's a small price to pay for beauty. They need to re-do Cooper Hall classrooms, though.

Nadia from Tampa, FL

09/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus safety is pretty good in that law enforcement is visible and can be seen patrolling the campus. To add, there are emergency stations at various areas around campus, which have a button to press in case a student feels they are in danger, or etc. There are also up to the minute emails and text messages sent out to students if there is any danger to avoid at a particular area of the campus.

What to do for fun

There are so many things to do on campus if you're just free and want to have fun. For example, there are free movies on the lawn for students to watch that are recent. There are also many different clubs and organizations to be a part of that suit one's interests. There are also various sporting events to go to as well as trips coordinated by the various organizations on campus.

Food and Dining

The dining experience on campus is great because there are many different options to choose from while at the university. There are vending machines in nearly every building if you just need a snack to keep you awake in class, and there also coffee places at good distances for students to get to around campus. To add, there is fast food dining when you need to grab something to go as well as sit down restaurants at reasonable prices to select from. Some of the sit down restaurants either offer a buffet style of eating or an actual three course meal that is served. Therefore, the student has a balance and meal plans are offered as well as opportunities on campus to get free food.

Dorm Life

This aspect of college is not something that I have taken part in during my college experience since I do not live on campus. I am only about half an hour away and therefore I commute to the university, hence my low rating. Even though, I do not know much about dorm life, I do know that it seems pretty much the same as living in an apartment, but there are activities in which the students living in dorms can partake of collectively and they also have someone in charge of the dorm to assist in any issues.

Academic Rigor

Within the University of South Florida there is a nice blend of academically rigorous classes and not so rigorous classes. There are of course challenging courses that may apply to a student's major, but then there are classes that can be taken for enjoyment when completing your elective requirements, which helps to promote a balance for the student. It is competitive though, and therefore, one should apply themselves as best they can in order to succeed. After all, it is up to the student to take on the challenge of their academics in a serious manner.

Tips for prospective students

Some tips for prospective or incoming students is to meet with your academic advisor at least once every semester to make sure you are on track. Another tip is to never wait until the last minute when it comes to anything school related. For example, when it comes to making advising appointments or turning in forms to be processed, and etc always prepare in advance since there are many other students that are attending the university as well. One other tip is to always ask questions if you are unsure about anything and always try to seek any information when you are concerned with a particular issue, and the school website is great for finding out information or resources to know the correct location that you can go to on campus in order to get any issues resolved.

In three sentences

Basically University of South Florida is a very big campus full of opportunities to become involved in different activities in order to meet people and try new things. It is a campus that provides not only large lecture courses but also provides small classroom type settings for classes as well, which is a nice blend. Furthermore, my over all experience has been great and the staff are quite helpful in directing their students within their education.

Giorgio from Tampa, FL

09/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

USF has plenty of preventative measures incase an attack ensues on campus. There are poles that you can hit a button in case of an emergency and the campus police will show up. There are lots of these poles so incase you are running from an attacker you can press them while running to have the cops know where you are going. These poles are lit up at night so you can spot them easily. USF also has a system where you give them your cell phone so incase of an emergency (weather or suspicious/dangerous activity) they will send you a text to tell you to avoid certain areas or not come on campus. Also if you are out at night by yourself and don't want to walk to wherever you are going you can call the USF SAFE team and they will come pick you up in a golf car and escort you. They also offer flat tire services and cable jumping.

Clubs and Activities

USF has a variety of different types of clubs: professional ones, leisurely ones, sport ones, and ones just to get people together. It seems as if there is an organization for most professions out there to pick from for students. The sport clubs don't just pertain to common sports, there are also unique ones such as skydiving and scuba diving. If somehow with all these clubs and organizations you still can't find something to do there are activities going on around campus every week. There are a variety of events such as a carnival held on campus and a concert too. More frequent events are weekly movies on the lawn and all the sporting events USF has.

Great for these types of students

It seems like there is something for every kind of person and student that a small review couldn't even scratch the surface of what USF has to offer everyone. It seems like people have to go out of their way to not find something they enjoy.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are lots of hidden perks around the campus to enjoy. One of them I find a lot of people enjoy isn't for it's excitement, but almost the opposite it's peacefulness. Nearby the MLK plaza there is a huge lawn with gazebos all around it. With all the chaos college can bring it's nice finding a place you can just relax, and that's what that brings. You see people taking naps on the benches near the gazebos or on the grass, listening to their ipods and just enjoying the moment, and people playing frisbee on the lawn.

Bang for the buck

We all know college is expensive, but on campus if you really want you can get a lot for very little. For the first week or two with all the organizations hosting events you can eat free for them (if you go looking for the events). The events don't just end there, so you can still get free food or items throughout the semester. There is also free entertainment going, movies on the lawn, all our games are free if you order your tickets in time, and concerts and carnivals are had on campus. With bands such as 30 Seconds to Mars, Neon Trees, and Cobra Starship playing on campus, being able to go for free makes it a lot sweeter.

What to do for fun

There are constantly events going on around campus that are there to make sure students have fun. Every week there are movies on the lawn, there are plenty of intramural sports going on both semesters if you want to engage in them. Or if you can't get find a schedule that would fit for intramural there are clubs for lots of sports with students who are just as busy and still want to go play whichever sport.

Food and Dining

Being a commuter I don't have to eat on campus 24/7 so I may have gotten tired of the food here. On campus there are plenty of quick places to grab a bite while you are studying. If you do get tired of the food on campus there are plenty of places right of the campus that'll make sure you don't get tired of eating the same thing.

Dorm Life

Personally I commute to school so I haven't had the experience of living on campus. But I have plenty of friends who have lived on campus. I haven't really heard anyone not glad they have had the experience of living on campus. They found it very convenient to get to class, only being a 5 minute walk. They were able to find lots of free food through all the activities always going on during campus. Only thing they wished was their was a football stadium on campus to really feel school spirit.

Academic Rigor

Classes can range from being pretty easy to extremely hard. But with those extremely hard classes their are ways to do well in them. If it's a hard class, you aren't going to be the only one wanting to pass the class. There are plenty of people wanting to meet up and study and it's never to late to join a study group which can can make the class more interesting and definitely help with studying. There also many places on campus that can help you with some classes. If you need help with an essay there is the writing center on the first floor of the library or if you are having trouble in calculus there is the tutoring zone on the second floor. The professors for the most part also seem to really enjoy what they are teaching which helps the student engage to what the professors are teaching.

Tips for prospective students

A tip I'm sure everyone has heard, yet people still don't follow it and it has it's consequences for it. The tip is go to class and when I say that I also mean go to it and pay attention. I've seen people in huge lecture halls on their laptop just on youtube watching videos in class. Those same people wonder why they did bad on their exam when they never pay attention during lecture. Just paying attention in class and reviewing your notes and studying goes a LONG way. Also enjoy yourself at the same time, everyone needs a break from time to time.

In three sentences

The USF campus is not only grand, but it is also still expanding and new buildings are being built or renovations are constantly being done and the campus is just beautiful. For the most part, I've had little problems with the professors as they are usually very helpful and great teachers. Your fellow classmates for the most part want to succeed and do well so finding people to study with is no problem.

There are plenty of options. On-campus events are held as well as off-campus gatherings and pool parties. Downtown Tampa is a 20 minute drive and is beautiful as well! You are also only an hour from the beach!

Tips for prospective students

Get involved immediatedly!

In three sentences

I love USF so much. The campus is brand new, modern, and inviting. The atmosphere that the students create is one filled with positivity, school spirit, and enthusiasm.

Austin from Seminole, FL

09/14/2012

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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In three sentences

The new Juniper Poplar Dorms are very nice for any aspiring engineering students. The campus itself is beautiful and the number of available activities on campus makes it worth a look. The classes are varied, but all look well-deserved for any major you choose.

Christine from Riverview, FL

09/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

I am part of the Radio Show called Bulls Radio. I enjoy it and everyone is friendly. My advice would be to get involved. At USF there are so many clubs and activities to join that I was surprised at we have.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are none that I have seen.

Bang for the buck

On your school's website check to see if there is a spot for current students to sell their books. You can pay half for the value of a book when you purchase it from a student that previously took the class.

What to do for fun

Since I commute I really do not know.

Food and Dining

I only have tried Sbarro's and it was fairly decent.

Dorm Life

I commute so I am not familiar with dorm life.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor is just right. The classes challenges you to think and perform well in your studies.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to register for classes early because students definitely start registering before the semester begins. Make sure to know where your classes are before class starts that way you know the exact location of your building. Ask questions. Make sure that you keep in touch with your advisor that way you know if you are on the right track for graduation.

In three sentences

This university is so diverse that I really enjoy the immerse group of students at this campus. The university has phenomenal school spirit that I am so happy to be a part of this university. This school has the best faculty and staff who are always there to assist you.

Amelia

I've never felt threatened at all on campus. The SafeTeam is always around at night, and the entire campus is very well lit.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs and activities at USF! You cannot possibly come here without getting pulled into some sort of activity outside of the classroom. I am involved with the Baptist College Ministry (BCM) and I love it. They go on beach retreats, camping trips, mall scavenger hunts, and a ton of other fun events, all while sharing the love of Christ.

Food and Dining

The food is great! They have plenty of options. The only downside is that most of the dining halls close at 7:00pm on the weekends, which is pretty annoying.

Dorm Life

A lot of people cringe at the thought of community style living, but I have friends who are very happy with their accomodations there. I live in a Suite-style dorm, and it is okay. If you prefer more privacy, apartments are your best bet.

Academic Rigor

Some classes are fairly easy while others are more difficult. Try to choose classes that you will enjoy, although you won't always receive that option. As long as you stay focused and organized, you will be fine.

Tips for prospective students

Come to USF with an open mind. You will be exposed to a multitude of new opinions and viewpoints. This doesn't mean that you'll be expected to sacrifice your morals or standards, but rather, you will be able to gain an understanding of the world around you. It is truly a life changing experience.

In three sentences

USF is very accomodating to the broad diversity of its students. Everyone has an equal opportunity to not only learn, but to also get involved.

Go take a tour to see how you like the campus! Ask students there how much they enjoyed it and see if they would recommend it to you. Plan to leave early if living a longer distance, traffic can get pretty bad around there sometimes!

In three sentences

It's a really great environment and I love the school itself. It has all the programs I'm looking for and a lot of my friends who go there say it's been one of the greatest experiences of their lives. I can't wait to find out more!

Madison from Orlando, FL

09/22/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are always problems or incidents, especially since this is a metropolitan area, but the safety is the number one priority. There is a police department on campus, and I always see them driving around in the police cars, or on the golf carts. There is a MoBull alert system, which texts students who are signed up. There are also e-mail alerts for the same reasons. There is a severe weather alert system--sirens and on the televisions--for when a tornado is approaching. There are emergency towers all over campus for emergency uses. At night, they have a safety escort team, for free, for students with night classes that go across campus. I know you can text a number if you are leaving and text them when you get to where you need to be, as well. My friend has a bad knee and wears a brace; we were walking across campus and a safe team officer picked us up so she wouldn't have to walk so far. Overall, I feel very safe here.

Greek Life

The Greek Life is there, but it is not dominant. It is not like in the movies where it gets wild and crazy, as far as I know, but a group of people with alike interests.

Clubs and Activities

There are over 600 clubs to join, some of them very interesting -- medieval club, for example -- and of, course, there are some sororities and fraternities. There is always something going on, and the university is really great about making sure people know what is going on.

Great for these types of students

Anyone who is interested in pursuing some sort of science, medical, or research.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Some of the buildings have very unique architectural designs. There always seems to be something happening that is unusual, but fun at the same time. I see some people dressed up in Hawaiian clothes occasionally.

Bang for the buck

The education is very good here, and I feel like Im learning a lot. Their programs are well respected in my field, but it seems as if high school students don't always hear about this school. The school is very clean, very safe, and very nice.

What to do for fun

USF students get into the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg for free. The beaches are only 30 minutes to an hour away--depending on which one you go to--and the Campus Recreational Center sometimes has a bus that shuttles students to the beaches. The Campus Recreational Center always has an event, from white-water rafting to the beach. Nearby, there are several malls, lots of shopping areas, parks, and there are always things to do on campus. Every Wednesday afternoon outside the Marshall Student Center, they have free things for the students.

Food and Dining

In a word, delicious! The people who serve the food are always very nice, and they start to recognize you after a while. While they may not have all my favorite foods every day, I never go hungry. They have fresh produce every day, including a salad bar, and they have some of my favorite foods. For example, their chicken sandwich is my absolute favorite. Although I'm not a vegetarian, or a vegan, they have accommodations for those with vegetarian and vegan diets. I'm lactose-intolerant, and, for the first time in six months, I was able to eat ice cream because of their lactose-free ice cream. I have to say, the food is really good here.

Dorm Life

Like all metropolitan areas, there is some crime here, but I don't feel unsafe. The rooms are clean and regularly cleaned by staff -- pending on which one you are in -- and are nice. The suite I am in is like a bunker, which is good when it's storming outside. There are some people who are giving us problems, but that happens everywhere. Overall, I am definitely planning to stay on campus again.

Academic Rigor

Some of the general classes are not very hard, but I have done the International Baccalaureate Program, which means I'm mostly used to it. Some classes are challenging, but not all of them. It honestly depends on your major and your work ethics.

Tips for prospective students

Like all colleges, make sure you want to come here. The weather changes constantly, but is mostly very beautiful. Know what you want to get into, and don't be afraid to ask anyone if you have any questions.

In three sentences

The campus is here is beautiful, with very friendly and polite faculty and staff. The educational programs here are very well known, especially their research programs. It as an amazing school, but not as widely known in Florida as other schools.

I head to the gym which is newly renovated. There are pool tables free to use and play. A sky pad is located in the new Marshall Center which features T.V.s for gaming. Movie theaters are close to campus and beaches are relatively close (as Tampa is very close to the gulf).

Food and Dining

Decent dining halls, and various restaurants located all around campus. Do not get the unlimited dining plan, you will get tired of the food, and will spend at other food locations close to campus.

Dorm Life

Dorms range in budget and are located in strategic places on campus.

Academic Rigor

I rated 4/5, because the rigorousness of the courses will be very similar to all universities. However, I have heard that others say that other universities are more difficult.

Tips for prospective students

Look at universities for the programs they offer, but liking the campus is also a priority.

In three sentences

The university has a friendly and inviting appeal. It accommodates the needs of the students from study-space to recreational events. Feels like home, even for a commuter student.

Student from Tampa, FL

There are many ways to keep students safe. If you do not feel safe walking home, you can call safe team and get a ride home. Also, the blue lights on campus are great for safety at night.

Clubs and Activities

Get involved! There are so many different clubs that there is a 100% guarantee that you can find something that fits your interests!

Great for these types of students

All students can go here! Academically and socially, USF is an amazing school.

What to do for fun

There are always events going on and getting involved is great!

Food and Dining

There are always different options for everyone, no matter what your preferences are.

Dorm Life

USF is a community and getting close to the people who live with you is a great way to meet new people and be more interactive!

Academic Rigor

The classes are what any student should expect from college, but the professors are reasonable and there are many chances to get tutored and bring grades up!

In three sentences

This is a great school for any type of student! Everyone is friendly, the classes are great, and there are a lot of opportunities to meet people! USF is an amazing school that all students should consider.

Shernide from Miami, FL

10/01/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Very safe, there is security everywhere and if something does happen police are on the job immediately. There are also emergency buttons all over campus, I believe they are about 75 feet from one another in every direction.

Greek Life

AMAZING! Greek life at USF is just another fun aspect about the school. Lots of nice people, and they are very diverse. You would think that each one has a specific look, but no; you would meet someone from a fraternity and just be happy to know that they are nothing like the tv stereotype. Interacting with greek peeps are always fun.

Clubs and Activities

There isn't a club that you can't find here. And if there is a club that happens to be nonexistent, it takes about five minutes to create one. Been there, done that!

Great for these types of students

USF is a great school for all types of students. I have yet to meet someone on this campus whom haven't found a group to fit themselves into. I've literally met larpers, the quidditch team, greek peeps, band members, dancers, party lovers, book lovers, and etc.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There really aren't any unusual traditions but we are chalk full of fun ones. Unusual locations? They actually put swings behind the library this summer. It's a really nice spot in the evening.

Bang for the buck

Discounts... Everywhere! This is Bulls Country haha. Most businesses around campus offer 10% (and up) discounts.

What to do for fun

In a five mile radius, there is bowling, a mall, tons of restaurants, and a movie theater. If you expand the radius to about ten miles, there is Channelside, which is super fun during the day and night, and Ybor City which is night time fun. The nearest beach is about 45 minutes away from campus in Clearwater. But the drive is totally worth it if you plan to spend the day in Clearwater, the strip down the beach is super fun.

Food and Dining

It has it's good days and has it's mediocre days.. Meals got very repetitive and annoying.

Dorm Life

Best thing I've ever done through my college career. I lived in a dorm my freshman year and that's where you meet the people who you're destined to be friends with, not only that but a lot of the residence you live with happen to take the same courses as you so it's easy to make study groups.

Academic Rigor

There are some classes that are REALLY hard but if you are willing to see the professors during office hours they are more than willing to help you pass their class. For example an ample amount of my professors this semester teach difficult classes but because they are so passionate about what they teach, it makes the class much more interesting.

Tips for prospective students

Try to get your habits and your priorities straight from the day you get here. Regardless of what school you attend, you don't want bad habits to reflect on your course work.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is an amazing school. You are surrounded by well spirited peers and very caring professors. On a scale of one to ten I would give this school a ten.

Katherine from Tampa, FL

10/01/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There are lots of events throughout the week, including movies on the lawn. The best part about it is that the school emails you a weekly event calendar so you don't have to worry about missing out on something.

Food and Dining

Lot's of vegetarian dishes and the chefs can make a really good omelet for you for breakfast. There is also unlimited ice cream in one of the dinning halls and the smart soda machines. There are 3 Starbucks on campus that make life a little easier for the average zombie student.

Dorm Life

A necessity for first year students and also a strong recommendation. It is a challenge enough to leave the nest, don't try to fly before you have the wings of understanding. Owning an apartment can create a lot of stress, too much for a first time student. The dorms aren't home but you will make a great couple of friends while you live there.

Academic Rigor

The classes can be challenging and are easy to fall behind in. If you want to get A's then you have to form study groups and study.

Tips for prospective students

Meet with a adviser in the field that interests you. If there are multiple, then meet multiple. It helps having someone that knows what they're talking about prepare you for your next 2,4, or 8 years of education.

In three sentences

I would highly recommend this school to anyone. Their academics are rigorous and the teachers are good. There is plenty of areas to escape from the noisy classes and study by a lake or under a large oak tree.

Alex from Tampa, FL

Security always available when you need them, either by phone or one of the emergency stands stationed around campus

Greek Life

No idea

Clubs and Activities

Don't participate in any though

Great for these types of students

Looking to meet new people Interested in diversity of cultures Health majors

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

None that I can think of

Bang for the buck

Need a better selection of T.V. channels With how much we pay for meal plans, there needs to be a better selection of food and incorporate more healthier foods

What to do for fun

Go to the gym Hang out at Marshall Student Center Sports events

Food and Dining

Just don't go to Fresh Food Company...seems like everyone that works there doesn't seem to care about their job and always have an attitude.

Dorm Life

Dorm life can be fun, but it all depends on the roommates you get. I also think that it's a little too expensive for what we are getting, such as a poor choice of channels and mail boxes that don't like to open.

Academic Rigor

The professors will use every resource they have to challenge you and help you think critically

Tips for prospective students

DON'T LOSE FOCUS!!! STUDY!! STUDY!! STUDY!! Work hard Have fun :)

In three sentences

This is a very great school. It's very diverse so you get to meet students from all over the world and get to learn about their culture. This school also has many great free activities for students, including free admission to all sports events.

Steven from Tampa, FL

For the most part, the quality of education here is satisfying, even for the most ambitious of students.

What to do for fun

For fun, there is a gym and monthly events such as movies on the lawn. The list of activities and events is rather large, it's up to you how many you can make it to. I find it tough to get bored on campus.

Food and Dining

The food selection is rather decent. From Burger King to Beef O' Bradys and Subway, there is always a tough decision to make. The pricing can be a little high sometimes but the convenience over shadows that!

Dorm Life

I cant speak for this as I commute to school. What I have heard is the community of students that live in dorms are pleasant. Everyone there bring so many different backgrounds to the mix that its easy to learn form one another. As everything else on this campus, it's a rewarding experience.

Academic Rigor

The courses range in difficulty but the more difficult ones are definitely rewarding. To be tested to the best of your abilities is the best way to learn. It's okay to make mistakes, plenty of support is available and besides, we learn from them!

Tips for prospective students

Do not procrastinate! The time you have hear is special and it should be used efficiently and effectively. Time management is one of the fundamentals to success.

In three sentences

This campus supplies one with many opportunities to succeed. The academic advisors really seem to care about your future and are always helpful with advice. The activities on campus cover a wide range, including AMA and Frisbee!

Sybil from Tampa, FL

10/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are campus police, emergency call buttons, weather alerts sent to your phone, and campus wide alarm systems. With all of the services put in place one can feel very safe, however, it's a public campus and anyone can come. There have been instances of criminal activity on campus.

Great for these types of students

Come one, come all. This campus is one of the most diverse I've been too. Into USF is designed to help international students with the culture change. This school has a large medical program, so if you're looking to be a doctor of any kind, check it out.

What to do for fun

Each student can attend home football games for free, view new released movies each month at the student center, participate in clubs and intramural sports, and see a wide variety of well known people who come to give lectures each year. There's also a the Bulls Market every Wednesday for shopping and close by attractions such as Busch Gardens and the University Mall.

Food and Dining

Beef O'Brady's, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Jamba Juice, Moe's, Subway, Sbarro, and many more restaurants are just a few minutes walk away at USF. It also serves students a wide variety of foods at each dining hall located across campus.

Dorm Life

Resident halls are always clean and well kept. However, there have been cases of mold in some halls and this year there were so many students that the dorms were at 106% capacity, causing delays in room changes.

Academic Rigor

Classes require reasonable amount of readings and assignments done outside of class. Some classes can be classified as an easy A and others are extremely rigorous. Ultimately they balance themselves out.

Tips for prospective students

Invest in a scooter, bike, or skateboard as this campus is large and can require lots of walking in the hot Florida sun. Take advantage of the free student bus system whenever it's convenient. This school holds a lot of special events so stay up to date with the annual student newsletter.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is well worth your money. Boasting a growing research program, this school is not only great academically, but it also has a lot of on campus activities to offer. Student involvement is a high priority on this college campus.

Scott from Seminole, FL

10/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Bang for the buck

I'm not a die hard sports fan and I don't favor certain colleges over others just because it's that college but USF is certainly a great experience. The people are awesome, I love my professors, and the campus looks great.

What to do for fun

For on campus, hit up our awesome gym, walk around campus, run on some of our nice trails, join a sport, join a club, and many other smaller things. For off campus, there's MOSI, Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens, and Ybor.

Food and Dining

It's nice having a meal plan but sometimes the food just isn't up to par. However, cooking for yourself is a lot of work so unless you're a master chef and can handle doing dishes all the time, get a meal plan. Besides, there are four main dining halls you can choose from on campus and it's nice to go down and get a quick bite whenever you feel hungry.

Dorm Life

I didn't get my perfect match (or so I though) but I'm getting along with just about everyone in my entire pod! Parties are strictly weekends giving a perfect balance of study and fun.

Academic Rigor

Let's face it, this is college. You can't cram the last minute for an exam BUT just as long as you keep up with studying and homework, you will succeed. Get your hands on as many practice problems as well.

Tips for prospective students

Get one of those desk calendars to keep track of EVERYTHING; it's not like high school where you can run through the few classes that you actually do stuff in. Keep track of all your classes with some kind of planner and stay organized.

In three sentences

Awesome campus! Lots of activities and class opportunities with a very scenic sidewalks and running paths. Everyone is very friendly too.

Alexander from Palm Bay, FL

This is a great campus to get a good education and have fun doing it. There is always plenty to do every night so there is never a dull night.

What to do for fun

There is plenty to do for fun, since there is so much diversity there are always activities for people to do. Since the campus is located in the middle of a major city, its easy to go to a sports game or go to a club at night.

Food and Dining

The food is acceptable, but repetitive. The meal plans are affordable solutions to eating, and if you live on campus you will frequently visit one of the cafeterias each day.

Dorm Life

Living in a dorm is a must for students who are entering college for the first time. Its the best way to meet people that you otherwise would not have associated with.

Academic Rigor

I have been a business and engineering student, and both majors require a lot of outside work to be successful.

Tips for prospective students

Use your time effectively. The four years of college goes by quickly, and its easy to let it go by. Make sure to take part in any activities that you think might be fun or valuable.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is a large campus with plenty of activities to maximize your college experience. With the highest enrollment of students in Florida and the most diversity of enrollment, there is always something to do. USF is a great school to attend.

Sarah from Valrico, FL

10/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

We have hundreds of emergency bluelights all over campus that are there for you to press while walking at night, if you think you're being followed or feel unsafe. We have the Safe Team, which is a service that will come pick you up wherever you are on campus and take you to another destination on campus at night, so that you don't have to walk alone in the dark. There are constantly measures that are being implemented that help students to feel at ease when walking to class.

Clubs and Activities

We have hundreds of clubs and organizations on campus and the number grows every year. There's no reason for anyone not to be part of an organization, because there is so much diversity regarding the different kinds of clubs we have that there is literally something for everybody. These clubs are also some of the quickest ways for you to meet fun, new people interested in the same things that you are, and you can easily bond and make good friends while having a good time at exciting events on campus.

Great for these types of students

I believe that USF is great for all types of students. I've had people in my classes that are freshman straight out of high schools, as well as middle-aged adults wanting to continue their education. USF understands the importance of diversity, and does not cater the educational experience to people of just one age group, so that everyone can truly feel like USF is where they belong.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

You will see in the Marshall Center that the USF Seal is blocked off by barricades. It is understood by students on campus to stay away from it and not to step on the seal. This is our way of showing respect to our Alma Mater.

Bang for the buck

It's definitely worth the money, although tuition is constantly being forced to raise in Florida, USF takes those opportunities to improve. We just had our library renovated, as well as the gym. They just recently built new buildings with beautiful, spacious classrooms and are in the process of adding more.

What to do for fun

There are so many things to do on campus every minute of the day: go to the Marshall Center and take a picture on the bull, and then run inside to join a flash mob. Take advantage of the Bulls Market to get some free food and fun little goodies. Go to every event that they have during WOW Week or Homecoming Week, and you will soon see that there is more than ample opportunity to have fun.

Food and Dining

There is a GREAT variety of food at every dining hall, and in addition, they have a Moe's, Chikfila, Subway, and tons of other tasty food places on campus. One thing you'll never worry about here is whether or not you'll like the food.

Academic Rigor

I am in my second year, and I have not encountered any classes that have been unreasonably difficult. Beware of the math and science classes that may come with a Pre-Med major! But even with those, overall, the professors here care about you doing your best in their class, so if you're struggling, send them a quick email or visit their office hours, and they're always willing to help out.

Tips for prospective students

I would recommend that you pick up the student planners that they give out for free at the Marshall Center at the beginning of every school year. You will quickly learn that time management is everything, so if you don't take control of your schedule in college, it will take control of you. In that way, the agenda is a life-saver, I use it everyday to write all my homework assignments as well as personal obligations to stay on track with everything.

In three sentences

USF is the best of both worlds: exciting campus life with great variety of people, and an academic life that provides you with limitless resources to help you get your degree. The campus life is so much fun, there is always an event happening somewhere, and the academic program is rigorous enough to challenge you, but not overwhelming.

Shawee from Bartow, FL

There is always something going on campus. One example would be Bull's Night Out where every Friday there is a fun activity one can go to. There is also the Bull's Market and Movie on the Lawn.

Food and Dining

There are many options on where you can eat here at USF. There are many food options in the dining halls alone and is one of the most vegetarian friendly places to eat. If one does not wish to eat in one of the four dining hall, there are many restaurants on campus one can go to.

Dorm Life

The people in my pod are amazing. My RA is so funny and kind; he is a bit quirky, however he is very enthusiastic about what our pod does. A pod consists of about 17 rooms with two people in each room and we are all kind of like a family.

Academic Rigor

Keep your grades up and try to perfect your time management skills to achieve academic success. The work can sometimes be stressful so it will be beneficial to have these skills.

Tips for prospective students

Incoming students are going to need a map. This campus is huge so until one gets the hang of getting around campus they are going to need a map.

In three sentences

University of South Florida's main campus located in Tampa, Florida is very beautiful and very diverse. The professors and staff are very kind and the people one can meet are unique and amazing. This university offers a wide range of majors as well so one can major in almost anything he/she wants.

Lauren from IA

There are activities on campus every week and there are many different places you can go within driving distance of campus.

Food and Dining

This is probably the worst part of living on campus. The dining hall food is not good and I usually end up eating the same thing all the time. Plus it is not ran well and there are many things I hate about it.

Dorm Life

I like my dorm a lot and all the people I have met in it. However, I have met people who don't like theirs so like basically all dorms it depends on where you live and who with.

Academic Rigor

Even though some of my classes may not be the most interesting, I am able to do well in them and learn the subject.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to get involved and meet people. Go to as many activities and events as possible.

In three sentences

I am extremely glad that I chose USF for my school. I was nervous to begin with since it was so far from home, but as soon as I got here I felt like I belonged. I know I made the right choice in attending USF.

Ernest from Plant City, FL

The campus always have police nearby and also has emergency buttons you can push if you are in danger. they also have car service that if you are lost can pick you up and bring you home.

What to do for fun

There are many events to do and lots of clubs to join if you have the time. There's always a celebrity coming out onto campus and most of the time their free for students. They also offer a really nice gym to go workout in.

Food and Dining

They have many options on what to eat to sushi, subway and Moe's. they also have great dining hall food as well.

Dorm Life

I do not live in the dorms, but what I've seen it seems very fun and are quiet enough for you to study.

Academic Rigor

It really depends on the professor and how much time and energy you put in to it. If you complete assignments early and get some studying in it is not as difficult.

Tips for prospective students

Get your financial aid done on time and early as possible. Dealing with financial aid for weeks waiting to finalize everything is not fun. Also start enrolling in classes as soon as possible and use rate my professor.com to make sure you a great professor.

In three sentences

It has a very enjoying environment. The students and faculty here are very friendly. It also offers many opportunities on campus.

Logan from Ocala, FL

11/02/2012

Reviewer is A past student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus security is very responsive and on top of things. I only had one incident of a drunk dorm mate being rowdy and the campus security handled it with no issue at all. Makes you feel a lot safer knowing their a phone call away.

Clubs and Activities

SO much to do I probably wouldn't have enough room to talk about it. All you have to do is talk to an adviser to learn about everything and there's literally too much to handle.

Great for these types of students

Anybody that wants to enjoy a great college experience and make plenty of new friends, all while encompassing much knowledge about your major and learning as much as you will yourself to learn.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One tradition they have is in the main building where some people live (the Marshall Center) there is a symbol of USF on the ground. It's tradition to not step on it, for the simple reason of you're basically stomping or bashing your own school's symbol.

Bang for the buck

It is expensive, but any college experience is well worth it. I'm so glad I chose USF for just that reason. They live for their students and that makes me feel more at home, which USF was my home for several months. With help from scholarships, and whatever else you can do to pay for college, USF should be on the top of the list!

What to do for fun

Dorm life creates many experiences to have fun, as well as going to the recreational center where you can do many various activities. Several of us created a poker club, with no gambling of course! You choose whatever you'd like to do, and there's just so much it's hard to choose.

Food and Dining

Food is food. But the dining experience is wonderful. Not much you can complain about. Everyone has their own perks about food, however the dining experience makes it much easier to choose what you want, whenever you want.

Dorm Life

Dorm life was great. I lived with a close friend of mine and people always say you should never do that. But it was hardly ever just the both of us hanging out. The dorms create an experience for everyone to mingle and get to know one another. So in all actuality you're living with 20 other people, just one you will sleep in the same room with.

Academic Rigor

Academics are simple if you pay attention to dates, class material, and study material. You're given everything you need to succeed. It's just up to you if you want to.

Tips for prospective students

From day one your adviser is your best friend, and should remain that way. They will keep you on track, let you know when your slipping if you ever do, and will always be truthful with you. No one deserves a bad adviser, so go to USF!

In three sentences

Everything a future student could dream of. Great advisers to keep you on track, and help you with your future. I would rate my experience incredible out of 10, for that reason and plenty more.

Heather from Largo, FL

11/02/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I always feel safe on campus! The campus is very well lit. Security personal drive around campus at all hours, night and day. There are tall blue light polls with emergency buttons located all over campus - 2 to 3 lights can be seen at any given point on campus. SAFE team picks up students late at night and drives them anywhere on campus that they need to go.

Greek Life

Greek is going under right now. While there are a lot of good Fraternities and Sororities on campus, they're all in jeopardy right now because of hazing issues with a couple of fraternities. There is always a bad apple that ruins the bunch.

Clubs and Activities

Whether you fancy swing dancing or your thing is video games, USF offers just about every club you can think up. If they don't have your club, you can easily make your own through their website!

Great for these types of students

If you love being around friends and living a social life, this is definitely the perfect school.

Bang for the buck

If you ever need groceries, always go off campus. A bottle of water on campus costs the same as a case of water off campus.

What to do for fun

The school holds activities every Friday night, and there are clubs for almost every interest. Getting involved is key to having fun. Midnight canoeing, dining in the dark, and movies on the lawn are all frequent campus activities.

Food and Dining

Food is fantastic for the first month of school. If variety is your thing, don't buy too large of a meal plan, you will get sick of dining hall food fast. Right off campus there are at least three dozen restaurants to choose from.

Dorm Life

All of the dorms on campus are very clean and inviting. Be prepared to live with someone who is nothing like you; don't forget to have an open mind.

Academic Rigor

Classes all start off extremely easy, but they become very time consuming about half way through the semester.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you research the majors offered on campus before applying here. Don't be afraid to sign up for classes that don't necessarily fit in with your future career goals, you never know what will spark your interest.

In three sentences

There are more than enough options when looking into majors. Teachers and students come from all walks of life. Weekends are almost entirely revolved around drinking and partying for the vast majority of students.

javaris from Jacksonville, FL

I always feel safe on campus personally. It isn't unusual for me to be walking on campus late at night and early morning. I think USFPD does an overall good job.

Greek Life

Greek life is pretty cool at USF. Greeks are very active on campus, and pretty friendly contrary to popular beliefs.

Clubs and Activities

So much to do, so many ways to get involved, never a dull moment! Join a club or two or seven!

Great for these types of students

Great for social students. There are many people to meet and so much to do. Great for other types of students as well but definitely a social university.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We need more tradition! USF is relatively young

Bang for the buck

Great school, my only concern is the loan debt I've accumulated over the years. I don't blame USF, I blame the education system in America. college needs to be more affordable, I digress.

What to do for fun

There is always something going on on campus! There is no reason for a student not get involved with over 500 student orgs on campus. USF does a great job keeping students entertained. There's bound to be free food at events too!

Food and Dining

Not bad at all. Meal plans are expensive though. I saved a lot of money by doing my own shopping. Meal plans are required freshman year btw.

Dorm Life

Not bad overall. I enjoyed my years in the residence halls, but they aren't cheap. I now live off campus but I do miss the convenience of on campus housing.

Academic Rigor

If you plan to study any type of sciences no matter where you go the courses are challenging. Especially at large universities because a lot of courses are weed-out classes because so many students enter college as a science related major.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you understand that USF is a large university. The Tampa campus has over 40,000 students. Make sure you visit to see if its a place you can enjoy and succeed.

In three sentences

It's a large, beautiful campus with a lot going on. USF is an up and coming university that I've seen improving each year. The school has a lot to offer, but best way to see where you fit is to visit!

Alyssa from Palm Beach Gardens, FL

There are a lot of clubs and organizations such as, Humans vs. Zombies, baking club, language clubs, pre-health clubs, and many more. You well be sure to find something to suit you.

What to do for fun

Join clubs, hang with friends at school sponsored events, or just hang with your pod mates in the dorm.

Tips for prospective students

It is a great idea to join clubs and organizations. These help you gain experience and learn new things. Also, go to workshops and tutoring sessions. These help you get good grades and maintain them. There are many spots for studying, so you can get your work done whenever you want.

In three sentences

USF is a great school. There are a lot of opportunities for me to gain experience and get into the career that I want. I feel that studying at USF is a great advantage in achieving both short and long-term goals.

Amanda from New Port Richey, FL

11/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

Eat at Juniper Dining or Champions Choice if you can. That's where the best food is. Andros is open late, but its not as nice as the others. If you don't have a meal plan, there are plenty of places to eat. If you preload the money on your ID ahead of time 100+ dollars get a 10% bonus. So if you know you will be buying a lot of food there, thats the most efficient way (if you don't have a meal plan)

Dorm Life

Check where you will be living if you plan to live on campus. Some of the freshman dorms have one shared bathroom for the whole floor. Be prepared for tampa. The community around USF can seem intimidating.

Academic Rigor

Depending on the teacher and the subject, classes can be hard. In Science and engineering, the teachers vary greatly, so it's important to research your teacher and know how to study best for their testing style. For other classes, you can slide by and get extra credit everywhere.

Tips for prospective students

Check out the study facilities! Usf just renovated the second floor of the library and added a big study park out back with available WIFI. They also added the sky lounge to the marshall center. AWESOME. Be aware of the clubs that will assist in your major: pre-dental, Pre-med, etc.

In three sentences

USF is a constantly growing campus. It is climbing the ranks and making numerous improvements everywhere I look. USF makes you proud to be a BULL.

Kathryn from Saint Johns, FL

For campus food, it's pretty decent, but you still wonder what it actually is sometimes.

Dorm Life

My experience was fine, it is what it is. Didn't have any room mate problems, I was in Juniper, so it was clean and new.

Academic Rigor

I'm in the Anthropology program, which is nationally known. Don't presume it's an easy major just because it's social sciences, you put in a lot of work.

Tips for prospective students

Apply early! I know people who were likely to get in (Over a 3.7 in high school) but didn't apply until a week or two before the dead line.

In three sentences

Great campus with engaged students. Undergraduate research is available, you just have to be willing to put in a little work. Pay attention to what people say about Professors, between friends and RateMyProfessor, I've only had one bad professor.

Thuy from North Fort Myers, FL

There are over 600 clubs and organizations and many more campus activities for you!

Food and Dining

There are 4 dining hall. They are good places to hang out with your friends, but the food need to be more various. First year students require to have a meal plan.

Dorm Life

First year students require to live on campus. There are several Living Learning Community that are good to join. The students in the LLC are very nice and you will have a lot of good friends. Overall, the dorm life at USF is great in my opinion.

Academic Rigor

The first semester will have many changes, so you should be prepare. You get to choose your classes, but you need to be careful since the schedule will affect you in many different ways. Come to office hours if you need help. The professors willing to help you; there are many opportunities for you to get involved in undergraduate research and leadership. Going to class and time management is very important to success!

In three sentences

USF has a beautiful campus. USF has a lot of trees, and the air is very fresh. Everyone is very friendly and helpful.

Dennisse from Land O Lakes, FL

11/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I feel very safe at USF because they make sure that safety is every where. There are emergency buttons located all over campus if You need to get the polices attention, campus police are all over the university along with security for the dorms, and they even have a program were students can call a golf cart to pick them up and escort them around campus at night so they don't have to walk alone in the dark.

Greek Life

I see fraternities all over school and they are the main ones taking part in fund raising and helping out in campus.

Clubs and Activities

There is literally a club for everyone at USF, they have over 7,000 organizations for students.

Great for these types of students

Students who like diversity and who like opportunities to travel around the world doing what they love to do.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are protests that go on in USF frequently by students at the Marshal center, which is where many students gather to socialize.

Bang for the buck

Of course college isn't the cheapest thing, but here at USF you can bet that you will get your money's worth. There are so many free resources for students simply for just being enrolled in the university like a gym, access to sports games, and tutoring services are just a few.

What to do for fun

There are many events that take place on campus here at USF. Every Thursday there are movies that are played at USF that us free and they even offer free food and drinks. Football games are a great way to spend a good time with friends too. Homecoming week at USF is a blast too. This year we had the Wayans Brothers perform a stand up comedy show, then Ludacris came and performed as well! Every week there is something going on for every student to enjoy.

Food and Dining

USF does all that it can to provide great affordable food for students, and are even marketing healthier food choices for students as well.

Dorm Life

I don't live on campus, but I've stayed over at the university in their dorms a few times and it is nice, quiet. and clean.

Academic Rigor

The professors really are there to help you and will answer any questions you have either during or after class. They also have a great tutoring program that is free for students to use.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely make sure you acquire good study habits for college. Also, get involved! The more you go out and get into organizations or clubs, the more doors you open on campus and acquire great relationships with people in campus which can help you out both in and out of the university.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is such a helpful and friendly school that really does everything to make sure you experience everything you can while learning along in the process. The staff really work around your schedule if you apply to work on campus so you don't have to worry about missing class or being late to work. This university also has so many opportunities to get you out there and make your college experience an enjoyable one that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Erika from Spring Hill, FL

12/07/2012

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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In three sentences

The campus is beautiful, inviting, and clean! The dorms have recently been renovated and are bigger than before, but still a little small in my opinion. USF has a large campus that you'll definitely want a bike to navigate, but they have a expansive bus system to help with that.

Tracy from Land O Lakes, FL

I am not involved in a club activity at USF, but they have a USF newsletter announcing clubs and activities that regularly is emailed weekly.

Great for these types of students

USF is great for the many programs that are offered to students.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

It appears that there are many different people that like to congregate in front of the library and in front of the CPR building.

Bang for the buck

I chose to go to USF because it was a quality education in 1/4 of the cost of going to the University of Tampa, where I was also accepted.

What to do for fun

I like to go kayaking for fun. I also love the beach and like to relax there.

Food and Dining

As far as food and dining, I usually bring a lunch with me to campus. Sometimes I go to Burger King or Subway and both of them were close to my classes.

Dorm Life

I live off-campus.

Academic Rigor

I think that some online classes can be harder than being in class. Depending on the class, the academics could be really hard.

Tips for prospective students

I would recommend a prospective student to take a tour of the campus. The campus is very large, and it helped me to put a place in many locations, rather than looking at the map.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is a large campus with several different programs offered. I am impressed with the library that offers free daily copying, computer lab usage and tutoring. So far, I have had great professors that if you are struggling, are willing to offer suggestions in improving your grades.

Tatiana from Tampa, FL

There is pretty much a discount for being a USF student all over the city however the school food is very expensive.

What to do for fun

They have every other Wednesday movies on the lawn which are free (including popcorn, snacks, and sodas) its an awesome way to get to watch new movies for free. There is always different activities going on at school. Also Busch Gardens annual pass for $50!

Food and Dining

Food is excellent however a bit pricey for college students budgets.

Dorm Life

Never lived in a dorm but I heard they're great!

Academic Rigor

I have had a very tough time with specifically three of my classes. Thankfully the professors have helped me through them.

Tips for prospective students

Keep up with your classwork!

In three sentences

Fun and diverse school. The professors are excellent! The help for any clerical issue is fast and accurate.

gianna from Venice, FL

There was a rap on campus last semester... I am normally on campus from 8 am to 5 pm and not once have I felt that my safety was endangered.

Greek Life

I am thinking of rushing in the fall!

Clubs and Activities

not involved... but there are lots and LOTS of clubs to join!

Great for these types of students

Any students that want to make themselves better! and willing to go the distance to be the best.

Bang for the buck

BEst school that I have ever gone too!! Goo Bulls!

What to do for fun

There is always something going on!! You have to be willing to put yourself out there! Which I know feels scary at first! Once over that fear get ready to make friends like crazy!! =) There is a big Beautiful gym on campus that is brand new! Everyone goes there and there is plenty of room to work out! Lots of machines and equipment!

Food and Dining

I love all the different food options that are available!! From Starbucks to Subway!

Academic Rigor

I am a transfer student and you have to put the time in to succeed

Tips for prospective students

Make sure your ready to study for 15 to 20 hours a week outside the class room.

In three sentences

Extremely beautiful campus Large library with Starbucks to study in! Everything you need is on campus

Martel from Tampa, FL

12/18/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Bang for the buck

for engineering some of the sciences and medicine, a very good value for everything else... the lack of open or available courses and limited of campus major related oppurtunities degrade the value of a low overall tuition.

What to do for fun

After many years trying to change its image from a commuter campus to an active campus so signs of success have become apparent. Activites occur regurlarly and are focused on student engagement but after 5 pm on most weekdays and all through the weekend the campus becomes quiet and little happens. The surrounding city offers some opportunity but can be exhausted relatively quickly as the city itself suffers from many of the same problems as this campus. The bulk of those who work in tampa and attend USF do not live in tampa or on campus and return to the exurbs after business hours.

Food and Dining

Campus food services are provided by aramark and in general are good but in the more specialized dinning halls, such as the hall by campus recreation, the food selection and quality can approach restaurant quality.

Dorm Life

If you are fortunate enough to live in one of the newer buildings with a strong demographic mix, dorm life can be very good.

Academic Rigor

very hit or miss. Some classes with passionate instructors (non profit and public policy, international wealth and power etc, religions of south asia etc) are very challenging and when you complete them you feel as though you really learned something about the subject and yourself. Many many other classes are little more than time burners where you learn nothing and most of your fellow students will rarely attend because they know they will be able to pass with little effort or penalty.

Tips for prospective students

Take the time early on to understand the online degree auditing system and major requirements. Some of the professors and academic advisers are engaged and actively encourage learning and development. A high percentage of advisers and instructors have little interest in adequately performing their respective duties.

In three sentences

A very large university in a mid tier city that focuses heavily on engineering and medicine and to lesser extent teacher training and business to the detriment of liberal arts, social sciences and visual arts.

Theresa from Tampa, FL

12/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

USF has a lot of safety precautions to make sure students are safe. The campus has a phone number that every student can use to contact the on campus safety patrol team. The safety patrol team can either escort students to locations, by golf-cart or by foot, or can make sure students just safely get anywhere on campus. Students can call the safety team to let them know that if they do not call back in, for example 15 minutes, then something went wrong. There are also many posts around campus with the blue light where students can press a button on the post to send a signal to the patrol team that a student may feel in danger and want to let the team know where that student is. For example, if a student is walking and feel like they are being followed, they can press the blue lights along the path to let the USF safety patrol team know where that student was last. USF also has many cop cars patrolling the campus at all hours of the day to make sure drivers and people are following the rules/laws. There have been a few instances where students get hit by cars, as there are many commuters on campus.

Clubs and Activities

USF has so many student organizations of all sorts it's not even funny. There are: -service clubs -interest clubs -profession clubs -gender specific clubs -cultural clubs -and any type of club you can think of It's so easy to get involved with clubs on campus that it would be very hard not to. There is basically a club for every type of individual on campus, and if the club did not exist, students can easily make a club!

Great for these types of students

USF is a great for: -people who love the Florida heat -people who really want to get involved with clubs -people who want to do research -people who want to get cultured and mingle with a diverse student population -people who want a large student population -people who want a campus that is close to a city but not in a city -people who are do not expect too much out of the school's sport success -people who want to opportunity to give back to their community

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One of the cool things about USF is the hardcore school spirit USF has. You will ALWAYS see students wearing Green and Gold wherever you go around campus. USF was one of the 6 finalists in Today's College Challenge for schools to show the most school spirit. Students really feel a part of the USF community when the go there. There are no party poopers on this campus!

What to do for fun

USF is pretty good at entertaining its students. There is lots to do on and off campus. On campus, USF student government often times brings on many performers to perform for students on campus. Past performers include Ludacris, Wayans Brothers (comedians), and Jeff Corwin (animal show host). There is an organization called Bulls Nite Out that creates many events with music, free food, and socialization opportunities for students to get involved in to meet new people. The central building on campus, the Marshall Student Center (MSC) has lots of places for students to gather to hang out. On the top floor of the building is an area called the SkyPad where students often go to play video games, computer games, or hang out in groups. It is essentially a lounge with many big screen TVs and plug in spots for students to either work on group projects together or play games together. The Skypad is basically a nerd's haven. Off-campus, there are many places to hang out. Many restaurants are in close proximity to campus, such as Panera, Steak n Shake, and too many others to count. Busch Gardens is also only a street over from campus, so many USF students goto Busch Gardens throughout the year to bond with fellow students. Busch Gardens is especially popular during Halloween and the Winter Holidays because the theme park hosts haunted houses and themed events. Many students also go to Tampa, especially Ybor city, to goto clubs, eat at restaurants, and basically mingle with other young adults in the area. USF students get their urban excitement from Ybor and Tampa city, they are only about 20 minutes away from campus by car. Students often host parties too in dorms and greek houses so there are always social events to go to. Clubs also host many events for students to goto to meet new people and just have fun.

Food and Dining

USF has many meal plans for students, such as 3 meals a day or unlimited. With these plans come the opportunities for students to go eat their meals in the many food places around campus. There are many main dining halls around campus that students can eat their meals in, although the hours for those dining halls are not open all day. All dining halls besides one closes around 12am. Andros dining closes at 2am however, for the late-night eaters. For students who get sick of dining hall food, there are many commerical restaurants around campus for students to eat at such as Beef o Bradys, Chick fil A, Subway, Burger King, and soon to be Panda Express. Students who get dining plans get Dining Dollars which are basically extra food $$ for non main-dining hall food. There is a limited amount for Dining Dollars for each semester, so student must spend wisely! Some students who live on campus complain that they get sick of the dining hall food, because they eat it everyday. However, there are still many kids who say the they can't complain about the food. Commuter kids who eat at the dining halls usually comment that the food is good, but commuters do not eat it everyday like the non-commuters do. Commuter students can use the Bulls Bucks system to purchase food from commercial restaurants around campus and from the dining halls themselves. Bulls Bucks are put onto the Student IDs so when students goto restaurants or dining halls they just get their ID cards swiped to pay for food instead of using cash or credit cards. Bulls Bucks is basically putting money onto student USF account to use on campus.

Dorm Life

USF has a relatively active dorm life. There are many dorms on campus. The dorm buildings are in close proximity to each other so students do not have to walk far to get to other dorm buildings. There is a dorm building specifically for Honors students called Juniper-Poplar; this dorm groups together Honors students, giving them the opportunity to meet and find study buddies with other Honors kids who take their academic course load very seriously. Dorms have student governments that help organize and plan dorm activities to help promote a community feel to each dorm. The RA's for the dorms are very involved with the students they look over, such as holding meetings and having floor themes. Students often host parties within dorms, so a lot of social activity goes on between floors and groups. It usually is not too much of a hassle to switch around dorm mates, in case there are disagreements between roommates, and if openings come up in other dorms, students can often request to fill those openings even if they already reside in a different dorm building. Dorms are sometimes not the best place to study because kids are often very loud on the floor, in the hallway or pod, and the doors are not soundproof. There ARE quiet hours after 10pm on weekdays for all dorms and 24/7 quiet hours during exam week, but overall students find alternative locations for studying when they need it.

Academic Rigor

USF has a relatively average academic rigor. There are classes that are really easy, but also classes that are very hard. USF is known for grade inflation, too, so you don't see as many kids around campus failing out of all of their classes. IT STILL HAPPENS though. USF emphasizes getting to know the professors of your classes, as they will help with recommendations in the future. It is usually quite easy to contact and see the professors at USF, they all have their office hours. As long as students study hard they are almost guaranteed good grades in classes. I have not found any classes that are impossible to do well in, but students have to study hard to stay on top of their grades. Although USF is not an ivy league school, its course work is definitely going up in terms of difficulty. USF is becoming a harder and harder school to get into every year, so USF's academic rigor has respect.

Tips for prospective students

People who are considering USF as their potential home for their four years of undergraduate studies should want a college that has: a large, diverse student population, lots of opportunities for research and jobs, a very green and scenic landscape, and a location that's in relative proximity to many major hot spots such as Busch Gardens and Tampa City. Students who want to be very involved in a city environment should consider other colleges because although USF is only 20 minutes away from Tampa City, they must travel by highway to get to it. USF also has a good portion of commuter students compared to other colleges. USF used to be primarily a commuter school, meaning that many kids lived off-campus, however it has transitioned into a more non-commuter school. There are plenty of student-filled dorms on campus, but if you want to goto a college where primarily all of the kids live on campus, consider other universities.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida-Main Campus has a very open and scenic atmosphere that really gives students the environment they need to thrive in what can be an academically stressful time in students' lives. What I LOVE about USF is that it provides students of all years with an incredible amount of research opportunities that many other colleges around the country simply cannot provide. With its large, diverse student population comes the social growth and acceptances of people of all ages, race, and self-identities; I never feel alone while I'm on campus because every single person I interact with talks to me as if they have been my friends for years.

Jordan from Tampa, FL

01/02/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There are movies shown every week, as well as clubs you can participate in and other activities outside of the school. (USF Students get free transportation to Busch Gardens along with a discounted price to the theme park.)

Food and Dining

Again, I didn't have a dining pass but my friends absolutely love the food here.

Dorm Life

I never had a dorm, but my friends seem to be enjoying their dorm lives.

Academic Rigor

It's a research university. It's gonna be a lot of work, but you will learn so much from doing so.

In three sentences

A fun, organized campus that really gets the students involved with activities. Whether it's by watching movies on the library wall, or by providing public transportation, this campus really blends in well with the student atmosphere.

Lea from Rockledge, FL

01/03/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Bang for the buck

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, there's some pretty easy things you can do. First, DON'T get your books from the campus bookstore; you can get them for much cheaper elsewhere online. Second, set a budget and allowance for yourself. When it comes down to it, it's easy to spend money, and it can be gone before you know it. College is expensive, so keep that in mind.

What to do for fun

There is a lot to do for fun both on or off campus: clubs, Greek life, varsity and IM sports, nightlife... you name it, and its there. Busch Gardens is right across the street from campus, downtown Tampa and the International Mall is about 20 minutes away, Ybor City (where all the clubs are) is also about 20 minutes away. So you never have to worry about being bored. There's something for everyone.

Food and Dining

If you didn't appreciate Mom's home cooking before, you absolutely will your first weekend back home. The food in the dining halls is very repetitive and not the greatest quality, plus the meal plans are pricey when you break down the monthly costs for it all and do the math.

Dorm Life

The dorm life isn't so bad, but it's always an adjustment for new students. The aspect that really makes or breaks the experience is your roommate/suitemates. Be willing to compromise, because everyone is different, but if you do things right you can begin to feel a little at home.

Academic Rigor

It is college, so the workload is going to bump up a bit. Some programs are more rigorous than others, but keep in mind that if you want the most 'bang for your buck', you're going to have to work hard. And there's plenty of people willing to help along the way. In the end, it's always worth it.

Tips for prospective students

If you're thinking about attending USF, make sure you visit campus! Not just because you want to see where you'll be spending possibly 4 years, but because it'll give you a chance to feel your way around and ask questions to people who've already been there. Learn about the programs and make sure it's best for you and what you want.

In three sentences

USF is a great school to go to to get that big school feel without feeling like your swimming in a sea of people. There are tons of academic programs and classes to pick from, along with plenty of tutors willing to help when you ask. The social life is great too, with opportunities to meet new people every day.

Jordan from Tampa, FL

02/26/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Our campus is relatively safe. The campus police and safe team are always available on call. Safe team provides rides, at night on golf carts, to two students at a time and drive them on campus to where they need to go.

Greek Life

I am not in a greek organization so I do not know very much about this.

Clubs and Activities

All different clubs and activities that fit a wide range of people. New clubs are being made every year so all student can find their niche when they get here.

Great for these types of students

All types of students

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Our school is still young to really have many traditions

What to do for fun

I am a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, which is a national honorary fraternity for college band members. This basically means that I spend the majority of my time with the band programs.

Food and Dining

Food in the Argos, Andros, and Juniper/Poplar areas have ok food. Their food changes all the time but has sections that are always constant like sandwiches and pizza. The Marshall student center has a subway, panda express, chick-fil-a, and an organic section. After spring break of 2013 a pollo tropical is going to be on campus.

Dorm Life

There are pros and cons to living everywhere on our campus. The Andros area is a nice place where you live with seven other people in your suite but have only one roommate in your room. This area has the Bulls cafe, which is open until 2am. The Argos area is composed of the castor dorm and Kosove dorm. Castor is a traditional dorm, which means you only have one other roommate and community bathrooms/showers. The Kosove dorm is an apartment dorm, where you have three other roommates and 2 bathrooms but you have your own room. These are mainly the dorms that freshman will be in.

Academic Rigor

The classes are hard but our school has so many resources available that you will do great here. The library tutoring services has a variety of subjects in which they are skilled at. The teachers are all available to help you outside of class if that is better for you. During finals week, our student center (marshall center) has large tutoring sessions to make sure that you pass.

Tips for prospective students

All the teacher here are willing to help you if you ask them too. If you are not sure which major you would like to go to, the academic advisors for each major are there to be your guide in choosing the best major. I was a nursing student and found that was not for me so I spoke to the sociology, communications, and social work advisors and found that social work was for me. I definitely made the right choice.

In three sentences

The University of South Florida is a fantastic school full of new and amazing opportunities. The president of the University is full of knowledge and is willing to help you succeed at USF. The financial aid officer is really easy to use and those people there will help you with everything you need, meaning faster return of your financial aid.

Adam from Zephyrhills, FL

We have great security at our school. I always feel same and at night there are plenty of lights.

Greek Life

Yes we have a big Greek Life.

Clubs and Activities

Honestly there are so many clubs and activities. You just need to go check it out. My favorite is the rock climbing club.

Great for these types of students

For students who have like to study or who go to the library this is for you. USF has a Starbucks inside the library, how cool is that?

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I'm a huge sports fan so my favorite location on campus is the new baseball and softball field. USF just built a brand new stadium that allows people to go to a baseball game and see the softball game at the same time. It's a lot of fun you must check it out.

Bang for the buck

The school isn't too expensive but it's not cheap. You pay to go to a really nice school, but the university offers a lot to it's students.

What to do for fun

I love going to the baseball and basketball games. They also have a rock climbing club I'm looking into joining.

Food and Dining

Second to none. Our staff works hard and it shows. If I was you go explore our various places on campus to eat.

Dorm Life

It's University of South Florida. The school is brand new! Everything is amazing from the dorm to the food.

Academic Rigor

The teachers will challenge you. With that being said they are always willing to help you and stay late. I have never had a teacher turn me down.

Tips for prospective students

I would go see a guidance counselor. Ask a lot of questions and if money is a problem see what scholarships they offer. Go to a couple events like a baseball game or a basketball game.

In three sentences

I love the University of South Florida. The university does a lot for the students. The students and teachers are really friendly.

Evelyn from Boynton Beach, FL

03/24/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Busch Gardens is really close by and there is a $50 year-pass available for students. Other than that, there are lots of clubs on campus and the Marshall Student Center is a great place to go to find more stuff to do.

Food and Dining

The dining halls have okay food. It's gone downhill since the beginning of the year, but every now and then they have some really good dishes.

Dorm Life

I live in Juniper. It's nice here and I got matched with some great people. The walls when we moved in were pretty destroyed, but they're (supposedly) repainting them this summer. The beds aren't too bad either. :) Rooms are decent overall and the pods are a great place to go to talk to everyone.

Tips for prospective students

Careful about your class choices, keep your GPA up so you can apply early.

In three sentences

Large, beautiful campus filled with (overall) friendly and amazing people. The teachers I've had so far have been good and the advisers for the Honors College are pretty good.

Anniela from Orlando, FL

03/24/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

USF makes it their mission to keep you safe and they do a great job at it and certainly provide students with the resources to keep you as safe as possible when walking at night or when you're drunk and cannot drive.

Greek Life

HIGHLY ENCOURAGE JOINING GREEK!

What to do for fun

Tampa is a well-known city and full of tourist stuff so there is always something to do. Anything from frat parties to going to a theme park like Busch Gardens.

Food and Dining

ABSOLUTELY AWFUL.

Dorm Life

I personally was satisfied with my dorm life because I was placed in the building I wanted and I ended up living with people that became good friends of mine.

Academic Rigor

Academic rigor is moderate but it depends on your major.

Tips for prospective students

When deciding what school to attend and where to live, make sure you pick somewhere that feels like home. After all, the university will be your home for the next four years.

In three sentences

Faculty and staff is friendly and welcoming. Campus is absolutely gorgeous. The atmosphere is excellent.